- Manufacturers of soldering irons carry replacement tips for specific models. If purchasing a new iron, buying a name brand will ensure that parts are available. The soldering iron itself is not generally an expensive piece of equipment. Investing a bit more in a good iron will pay off when repairs or tip changes are needed.
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Tips may be purchased individually, or in kits which include different lengths, tip diameters and shapes.
Conical tips are used for precision electronics work but can also be used for general purpose jobs. The pointed end allows easy heat direction and application accuracy, while the sides of the pointed shape can be used for wiring and general solder work.
Screwdriver tips have two flat edges and are similar in appearance to a flat-head screwdriver. Screwdriver tips are useful for making bigger solder joints for wire-to-wire and wire-to-surface work in larger electrical and electronics work.
Chisel tips are similar to screwdriver tips but are flat-ground on one side. Use chisel tips for electronics, general wiring and electrical work.
Bevel tips are ground at an angle, providing a blunt surface for specialty electronics and wiring work. -
Soldering tips should be "tinned" at all times, including storage, by applying a thin layer of solder. Tinning protects the tip from corrosion due to metal oxidation.
Soldering tips should be wiped periodically with a damp cleaning sponge, to remove excess solder, rosin, flux and foreign particles. Do not clean more than is necessary, as the tip will quickly lose heat and may shorten its life.
Always use a solder iron holder to prevent damage and burns from accidental falls.
Do not sand or file solder tips. Abrasion removes the protective plating and could damage the tip.
Do not leave heated irons for extended periods. Aside from safety concerns, leaving an iron on for long periods may damage the tip and iron.
Do not use the tip as a tool. Using the tip as a pry-bar, screwdriver or hole puncher can not only damage the tip, but it may damage electronic parts. -
Tip temperature is not necessarily related to the iron's wattage, as all irons produce sufficient heat to melt standard solder. Iron wattage dictates the ability of the tip to recover heat lost in its transfer to wiring and components during the process itself. Some recovery time is directly related to the tip diameter, tip shape and the type of work done.
Generally, thicker, longer and flatter tips hold more heat because more thermal energy is required for the bigger work these tips are designed for. These tips also require more recovery time and are usually used with higher wattage irons to compensate. Bigger tips may hold too much heat for lighter work and may damage delicate wiring and circuits.
Shorter, thinner tips with fine ends hold enough heat for precision work but may not provide enough thermal energy for heavier work. Smaller tips are usually used with lower voltage irons, as quick recovery time may add too much heat. - When doing different types of soldering work with different tips, a soldering station with adjustable wattage will help control some of the variables in heat application and recovery necessary for quality work. Soldering stations will allow the use of different tips, without purchasing irons of varying wattages.
