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Problems with soldering tips!

toxxn

Recently I got a new soldering iron from radioshack. I have used it on several projects and it has worked very well thus far. The last project I was working on, I noticed a small indentation on the end of the tip. I just got done desoldering some componets moments ago when I noticed the indentation has gotten bigger, looking like a cavity. I am sure most of you will already know exactly what I mean, but here is a couple pictures to illustrate what I am reffering to:

 

image

image

 

I know the pictures are a little fuzzy, though I took them using my iPod.

I am concerned about this tip and I am unaware as to why it has done this espeically since I have only had the iron itself for 4 days and have only used it for a few projects, using up maybe a foot of solder.

Could someone whom is more experienced with soldering irons please give me some info as to what causes this and why? and perhaps some info as to what should be done about it.

I am just going to replace the tip for now,

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  • Hi Cory,

     

    Rule # 1, a soldering tip is not a pry bar.  When you are desoldering components, it is important not to use the soldering tip to remove the components.

     

    Most soldering tips are soft metal and therefore very susceptible to abrasion.  Plus as John stated above, keep the tip tinned.  If you use the soldering braid, you can abraid the tip and expose it to air.  When hot, the soft metal will quicklly oxide and erode.

     

    I have re-sharpened soldering iron tips with a metal file, but you can only do this a number of times before it becomes less useful.

     

    Treat your tools with respect and care. 

     

    DAB

  • in reply to DAB

    Thank you as well for the info DAB, although I always use my desoldering pump when desoldering.

    Though as mentioned, I do tin my tips. What the problem was, when I cleaned the tip I carelessly forgot to re-tin it.

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