Maintaining and tinning the soldering tip ?

[Andris Golts]

Hi all just purchased a Weller 80 watt heavy duty soldering iron to solder 6mm bullet connectors on the smaller irons i have just wiped the tips with a damp sponge and re-tinned them on this iron they suggest brass wool to clean the tip . Which method is the proper way of maintaining solder tips ? Regards Andris Golts.

[jaike5]

I always used the damp sponge, worked great! That being said haven't used the soldiering iron method in years , I use a mini torch works great , Quick and easy no fuss .

[fweasel]

I usually wipe on the sponge, but will drag the tip through the brass at the end of the session when I'm done. My solder station has both, so it's convenient to use whatever.

[Andris Golts]

Thanks gents for your input . Regards Andris Golts.

[1coopgt]

We use both at work . The big thing with sponges is to make sure they are not sopping wet. Squeeze the water out of them before use.

https://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Solderi.../dp/B005C789EU

[ray schrauwen]

Sponge first. If it doesn't do the job then go to the steel, brass or copper type sponges. I buy the metal ones at the dollar store.

If I knew you were in the market for a good Iron I would have given you a deal on an Atten ST-2080D https://www.atten.com/product/st_2080d_soldering_iron You can tips through them direct or Ali Express.

I use the ST-2150D and it's slick!!!