Silverline Soldering Sponges 10pk (633932)

Product Information

The resin is non-corrosive, but it does not have the cleaning properties of zinc chloride. A blow torch or soldering iron is made, a device for heating base metals and melting solder and flux. Keep the iron in place and touch the solder to the wire until it’s fully coated. Repeat this process on the other wire. The metal brush is a more aggressive cleaning method, but when used gently, it is thorough enough and causes the least damage. Tinning your soldering iron tips is a great way to extend their lifespan. Tinning means applying a thin layer of solder to your soldering iron tips. This protective layer prevents your soldering iron tip from oxidising. It also makes soldering easier, as the layer creates a heat connection between your tip and the part you are soldering, which increases the efficiency of the heat transfer.

Now that you know what tools and materials are required, it’s time to briefly discuss ways of staying safe while soldering. However, I will outline the advantages of each method so that you can reach your own conclusion. You’ll soon see why I recommend having both options available when possible. Soldering Sponge Pros and Cons: Pros: As with all DIY activities involving potentially hazardous tools or conditions, safety awareness should always be a top priority in preparing for soldering work. As ever, this includes making sure that you’ve got the right PPE equipment in place prior to starting the job. It also means ensuring that the surrounding area is well-prepared and as free from unnecessary hazards as practically possible.If after cleaning on the sponge / brass shavings the tip is still not shiny then melt a small amount of solder onto it and clean again. The flux in the solder will help to clean the tip.

The good thing about learning how to solder is the fact that you don’t need a lot to get started. Below we’ll outline the basic tools and materials you will need for most of your soldering projects. Soldering Iron Soldering Iron tips are hot. As a result they are subject to the same sort of oxidisation that can affect the solder. They also suffer from being repeatedly heated and cooled. Although the tip is robust it does require a small amount of maintenance. Before starting to solder examine the tip. It should be clean and shiny. Wipe off any accumulation of carbon, old solder and similar debris on the sponge or brass shavings. This tip below shows a build up of deposits. Still not clean? Start by unplugging the soldering iron from its power source and allowing it to cool down completely before you begin the cleaning process. Make sure to rub in a circular motion until all residue has been removed from the surface, then rinse with warm water and dry completely before using again.

If the tip is still not clean and shiny then use a tip cleaner. This is a mixture of a more aggressive flux than usually found in solder, and powdered solder. The flux in tip cleaner removes the oxidisation and build up from the soldering iron tip, and then the solder re-tins the tip ready for use. To use the Tip tinner/cleaner heat the soldering iron. Then dip into the tin of tinner/ cleaner with a slight twisting action: This step will coat the iron in a mixture of flux and solder. Wipe the iron on a damp sponge to remove the excess. This should lead to a clean shiny tip, ready for use. If all else fails The following guidelines will help you choose the most convenient method for cleaning your tips. Read on!