How Long Should A Soldering Iron Tip Last
There are various factors that make every soldering iron tip wear out.
How long should a soldering iron tip last. By coating the iron tip with a few drops of solder the solder forms a barrier between the tips metal and the air around it helping to preserve the tip. The lowest cost soldering iron is one that simply plugs into the wall and may have no temperature control whatsoever. Think of all the money you will save on your electricity bill and it will increase tip life.
Turn on the soldering iron and set temperature above the melting point of your solder. Here are some ways. But as long as the heating elements dont get broken and the tips stay shinny.
Wipe the tip of the soldering iron on a damp wet sponge to clean it. When the heating element fails the soldering iron can no longer produce heat. The flux in tip cleaner removes the oxidation and build up from the soldering iron tip and then the solder re-tins the tip ready for use.
Wipe the iron on a damp sponge to remove the excess. HAKKO soldering iron tips do not have any type of shelf life. Hold the tip against both the lead and contact pointpad for a few seconds.
A soldering iron is a handy tool with a metal tip that can reach 800 degrees Fahrenheit hot in a snap. To 700 degrees is the happy zone. Wipe clean before using.
When the iron is not being used keep some solder on the tip. When the iron is hot wipe both sides of the soldering tip on the sponge. Soldering irons should be appropriately stored and maintained to provide hours of dependable service.