How To Clean Oxidized Solder Iron Tip
Please note that the FS-100.
How to clean oxidized solder iron tip. Use Hakko 599B Cleaning Wire to remove the surface oxide. Its fast acting residue free. Use a damp sponge to wipe away the black oxidation from the tip of the soldering iron until the tip is silver and shines in the light.
If some of the oxides are just sticking really well you could try to mildly abrade them on a brass sponge copper braid or similar but you cant be too hard or you will damage the iron plating good tips are typically copper core plated with iron then chromium everywhere but the working area. Wipe the tip clean and re-tin it between every joint. When solder no longer flow onto the tip or it takes too long to melt the sol.
Good soldering process is important. You can also use stainless steel pot scrubber as long as it is dry to prevent transmitting the heat. Use a damp sponge to clean the tip and wipe it off quickly to avoid cooling the tip excessively.
The flux in tip cleaner removes the oxidisation and build up from the soldering iron tip and then the solder re-tins the tip. If you clean off the rust and spot a hole in the iron coating recognizable by the copper color showing through from the inside or if any part of the tip appears hollowed out its done. Wrap the wetted sponge around the tip.
Theyre called soler tip activator retinner refresher. Heres how to deal with oxidized tips. Once the re-tinning product melts around the tip hold it for several seconds and then clean the tip using dry cleaning methods like brass wool or an automatic tip cleaner.
Apart from removing the flux off it is essential to clean off surplus solder. Take either a wet sponge or wire wool. The best solder for oxidation prevention is one with a high amount of flux core.