Need "tips" for soldering iron

lex666

lex666

New member
For my most recent pick up project, I bought 2 new solering irons. Based on some of your suggestions, the reason I was having difficulty soldering to the back of pots, etc, was due to the low wattage of my old iron at 30 watts.

So, I bought 2 new ones, a 45 watt from Sears/Craftsman and a 40 watt that I bought from Radio Shack that also included a stand/base.

Anways, I barely completed 1 project using the Radio Shack iron before I realized I had worn the tip down. It no longer had a point - it was just flat. So I put that one aside and used the 45 watt Craftsman. After a short while I noticed that this tip was also being worn down quickly.

Luckily, I had the 30 watt iron and was able to complete my projects.

My question is, am I doing something wrong that is wearing down the tips so quickly? I always try to keep the tips tinned whenever I can and I'm always wiping off the brown residue that collects on the tip using an old sponge. Is this normal to go thru 2 tips in one day? Do you guys have any suggestions on making them last longer. Maybe there's a way to improve my technique.

Thanks!

BTW - using a 40 or 45 watt iron made a world of difference over the 30. It was waaay easier, and I had less cold solder joints. My connections just melted right together.
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

I don't know, man. I don't think I've ever worn down a tip.

Are you pushing down really hard or something?
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

No, I'm not applying any pressure. Its as if the tip melts off. All I'm left with is a significantly shorter tip, with no point on the end - its flat.
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

That's because those tips are total crap. It's not normal. I've got a Weller iron and it took me the better part of a year and a half to go through one tip through heavy use. My second one shows no signs of letting up either. I used Radio Shack irons prior to getting the Weller and can't remember how many tips I bought. It was stupid how they wore out. In a pinch, they're fine. But for serious work, they're not worth it.

What you just spent on two irons you could've spent a little bit extra and got one iron with a variable wattage/temp control (5-40 watts), built in stand and sponge. The Weller WLC100. You can get it at Fry's Electronics for around $60.00. Amazon has them for around $40.00.
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

I use Metcal tips, and I still have the same one in the iron for over a year now.
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

I use a Weller also. I went out and spent the 15 bucks at Home Depot for the Weller 40 watt iron as part of the prep for my Uberschall repair and it works like a champ. I'm using the stock tips and they seem very solid. Definitely no signs of wear after my limited use so far.
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

And with any tip, cover it with fresh solder when you return it to the stand. It'll keep it well tinned and it will last much longer.

noth
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

noth said:
And with any tip, cover it with fresh solder when you return it to the stand. It'll keep it well tinned and it will last much longer.

noth
Click to expand...

Yep. Definitely do this. I use the Radio Shack tip tinner and cleaner on mine. Works great.

Their tool kits are good too. I got a 4 piece soldering tool kit. Came with a clamp and 3 tools with yellow handles for pushing in, getting out or maneuvering parts. The vacuum desoldering tool is invaluable.

Tip Tinner & Cleaner

Tool Kit

Vacuum Desoldering Tool

This stuff isn't bad. I've been using it for a few years without needing to replace any of it, other than getting more tinner & cleaner. The desoldering braids are good too. I just steer clear of their irons anymore. Ever since getting my Weller, it's a whole different experience.
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

Thats really strange. Is there any chance you're using acid-core solder? Like you get at Home Depot? If you get it from Radio Shack, it should be ok. You want rosin core.
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

Radio Shack/Sears stuff is garbage. The alloys are a bad joke:

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=118468


The best iron for my money (personal opinion), is the Hakko 936-12. Brand new, they are $80, and around $50 used on ebay. This unit has a ceramic heater (great start up speed), and a sensor in the handle accurate enough to keep the temp stable within 2 degrees Farenheight. For guitars this may be overkill. I am so used to the 936-12, it's my thang! ;) Narrow handles, and shorter overall length contribute ease of use, and eye/hand accuracy.

hakko936.jpg


I had been using the same Hakko tip at work for over FIVE years, and it was used when I got it! I use an iron almost every day, replacing components and reheating suspect/compromised solder joints on PC boards.

000_0190.jpg


The barrel of the old tip above is swollen, because of the years of heat cycles, and the side pressure from rolling the tip over while using desolder braid (rolling the tip keeps the braid hot by continuously putting a hot surface to the copper braid. I have even left this tip hot entire weekends more than a few times!!!

I dont use a sponge unless I am working on SMD's (nothing a regular player/hobbyist would need to worry about). I use solder tip cleaner/wetter, and a weighted base with a fine metal scubber pad (Hakko models of this style, have a layer of rosin flux on the curlys). This style of solder tip cleaner cleans the tip, while maintaining the heat at the tip. A wet sponge won't do this, and a sponge will not clean the tip as you use it...allowing crud to build up. This makes tips unusable after a while, until drastic (longevity killing) filing is resorted to. I NEVER use a file on the tip. I think the use of copper braid as a soft "abrasive" helps too.

BTW, solder braid has a layer of rosin flux on it too. Sometimes, I will add extra rosin core flux to the braid, as it really helps to conduct heat and draw old solder into the weave. Never cut the braid by pulling on it. Use a pair of scissors, or wire cutter to maintain the capillary action of the braid.

000_0191.jpg
 
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Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

I was fortunate enough to get a Metcal MX500, and I learned real quick that having a decent iron helps immensely.
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

Sludgenutz said:
Metcal MX500....Nice!
Click to expand...

I was shopping online for a station, and one of my co workers saw me and then went to explain that he used to be a sales rep for an electronics company. The next day he brought in a brand new 500 with all the extras, and just gave it to me. I tried to pay him something for it, but he told me it was his sample and that it was free to him, so it was free to me. :D
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

I use a $10 Mastercraft 25 watt iron. It gets the job done, tip now needs replacing though. I'll probably get a better iron if I ever start using it more than twice a month.
 
Re: Need "tips" for soldering iron

<<The best iron for my money (personal opinion), is the Hakko 936-12. Brand new, they are $80, and around $50 used on ebay. This unit has a ceramic heater (great start up speed), and a sensor in the handle accurate enough to keep the temp stable within 2 degrees Farenheight. For guitars this may be overkill. I am so used to the 936-12, it's my thang! ;) Narrow handles, and shorter overall length contribute ease of use, and eye/hand accuracy.

I had been using the same Hakko tip at work for over FIVE years, and it was used when I got it! I use an iron almost every day, replacing components and reheating suspect/compromised solder joints on PC boards.

The barrel of the old tip above is swollen, because of the years of heat cycles, and the side pressure from rolling the tip over while using desolder braid (rolling the tip keeps the braid hot by continuously putting a hot surface to the copper braid. I have even left this tip hot entire weekends more than a few times!!!

I dont use a sponge unless I am working on SMD's (nothing a regular player/hobbyist would need to worry about). I use solder tip cleaner/wetter, and a weighted base with a fine metal scubber pad (Hakko models of this style, have a layer of rosin flux on the curlys). This style of solder tip cleaner cleans the tip, while maintaining the heat at the tip. A wet sponge won't do this, and a sponge will not clean the tip as you use it...allowing crud to build up. This makes tips unusable after a while, until drastic (longevity killing) filing is resorted to. I NEVER use a file on the tip. I think the use of copper braid as a soft "abrasive" helps too.

BTW, solder braid has a layer of rosin flux on it too. Sometimes, I will add extra rosin core flux to the braid, as it really helps to conduct heat and draw old solder into the weave. Never cut the braid by pulling on it. Use a pair of scissors, or wire cutter to maintain the capillary action of the braid.>>

You're using exactly what I use professionally. I have a number of them with different tips in them.

Noth
 
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