Soldering iron tips and how to correctly care for them

Soldering iron tips are one of the most important components of soldering irons. If they cannot effectively transfer heat, then the whole soldering iron will be unreliable and your work will suffer as a result. Using a poorly maintained tip is one of the main causes of soldering problems.

Unfortunately, soldering iron tips will naturally wear down over time and will eventually need to be replaced. But by providing your soldering iron tips with the right care you can significantly extend their lifespan. We’re going to explain how to correctly care for soldering iron tips so you can enjoy better soldering results while also saving money.

Clean your tips

Cleaning your soldering iron tips is an essential part of caring for your soldering equipment. Soldering iron tips work best when they’re clean, so you should make sure they are bright and shiny before, during and after you use them.

While it’s important to keep your tips clean, you also need to remember to clean the components you will be working on. Before you begin soldering, use alcohol and a clean cloth to remove grease, dirt and oxidisation from the surface you will be soldering.

Damp sponge

Using a damp sponge to clean your soldering tip will prevent it from oxidising and building up a layer of dirt and debris. It’s important to make sure your sponge is clean and thoroughly wet because a dry sponge may damage your soldering tip.

Brass wool

Brass wool is an effective soldering iron tip cleaner that can be used to remove dirt and other contaminants that gather as you work. Frequently using a wet sponge can reduce the temperature of your soldering iron tip. If you are working with materials that require a very specific temperature, this could be problematic for your work.

Cleaning wools allow you to remove dirt and residue from your cleaning tip without affecting the temperature. Be sure to hold your iron firmly and clean the tip with firm strokes. After you have finished cleaning, quickly wet the tip with fresh solder to prevent oxidisation.

Use high-quality solder

If your soldering tip cannot effectively transfer heat, then the quality of your soldering and your overall project will suffer. Some low-quality solder can contain impurities that can build up on your soldering tip over time and prevent it from working at maximum efficiency.

By using high-quality solder, you are immediately giving yourself a better chance of succeeding and increasing the lifespan of your soldering tip. Good solder will melt at the exact expected temperature, which will make your work that much easier.

When using a soldering iron properly, you should avoid constantly changing the temperature as this can damage both your iron and your soldering tip. Also, not knowing the temperature you need to work at could be quite stressful and this lack of accuracy could impact the overall quality of your work.

Consistent temperature is key

Maintaining a consistent temperature while working will help to extend the lifespan of your soldering iron tips. However, the temperature of the tip can naturally decrease while in use. To prevent this from happening, many solderers will turn the temperature of their soldering tip up even higher than is required.

JBC has produced some clever soldering iron stations that automatically adjust the temperature of your soldering iron tip for you, making sure it remains consistent. These stations use sensors to regulate the temperature of the soldering iron tip, allowing you to focus on your work without worrying about temperature control.

To extend your soldering iron equipment in general, you should always avoid working at high temperatures for extended periods of time. When not in use, make sure that your soldering iron is on an ‘idle’ setting or turned off completely. There are some soldering irons that will automatically lower their temperature when not in use.

Use flux

Flux is a corrosive substance that removes oxidisation from metals. When soldering iron tips come into contact with oxygen, a layer of oxidation is formed on the tip. This layer prevents effective heat transfer through your soldering tip and can make it difficult to form a strong connection while soldering.

You can apply flux using a dispensing pen that allows you to precisely place the flux exactly where you need it. Be careful not to apply too much flux in one go as it’s corrosive and can damage your equipment. You can use a flux remover and a swab to wipe up excess flux and keep your components clean.

Always tin your tips

Tinning your soldering iron tips is a great way to extend their lifespan. Tinning means applying a thin layer of solder to your soldering iron tips. This protective layer prevents your soldering iron tip from oxidising. It also makes soldering easier, as the layer creates a heat connection between your tip and the part you are soldering, which increases the efficiency of the heat transfer.

Before you tin your tip, make sure it is clean and dry. Be careful not to put too much on; it only requires a thin layer of solder and the tip should still be shiny afterwards. You should repeat this process before and after each soldering session. If you are working for long periods of time, be sure to regularly tin your soldering iron tips as you go along.

JBC replacement tips

If you do need to replace your tips, we would recommend JBC as the all-around best provider of soldering equipment. With a wide range of tips suitable for soldering on many different irons, JBC accommodates for each specific soldering or rework job.

They can also provide you with all the essential soldering equipment you need, from preheaters to consumables. With over 90 years of experience in the electronics industry, JBC leads the way in delivering innovative, high-quality and cost-effective soldering products.

Enjoy the results of good soldering iron tip care

By providing the correct care for your soldering iron tips, you will notice they perform better and last for longer. Soldering iron tips will always need replacing at some point, but you can delay how frequently you need to purchase new ones by following these steps. You will also see better results in your soldering work, which makes the extra effort of caring for your soldering equipment completely worth it.

If you are new to soldering, you might like to read about some of the other basic tools you will need to get started. We are happy to answer any questions you might have about soldering and provide you with the advice and information you need. Just give us a call or drop us an email to speak with a member of our team.