Learning how to solder w/ proper soldering techniques is a fundamental skill every maker should master. In this tutorial, we outline the basics of soldering irons, soldering stations, types of solder, desoldering and safety tips. Whether you’re building a robot or working with Arduino, knowing how to solder will come in handy. Cleaning your soldering iron tips is an essential part of caring for your soldering equipment. Soldering iron tips work best when they’re clean, so you should make sure they are bright and shiny before, during and after you use them.

Always use tweezers and/or gloves to hold surfaces and components that are being (or have recently been!) soldered In short, soldering is a common and fairly straightforward method for affixing or bonding various types of materials and components to one another. The process is carried out using a small amount of metal alloy, known as solder, and a heated handheld tool called a soldering iron. When you solder items together, you’ll typically be using the hot metal tip of the iron to melt a small amount of solder alloy around and between the components or surfaces being joined.Brass wool: Although less aggressive than the Inox Wool, it is easily subject to deterioration. It can cause metal particles and fibers to contaminate the working area. Some people refuse to use Brass Wool for this reason. There are numerous different types of soldering iron cleaning accessories available online, and these form an important part of any kit - proper, regular cleaning and maintenance of soldering iron tips (both during and between jobs) is key to getting the best results and developing a safer, more efficient soldering technique.

Due to the low temperatures used in soft soldering, it thermally stresses components the least, but does not create strong joints and is therefore unsuitable for mechanical load-bearing applications. #2 Hard or Silver Soldering (above 450 °C) The metal brush is a more aggressive cleaning method, but when used gently, it is thorough enough and causes the least damage. Conical Tip– Used in precision electronics soldering because of the fine tip. Because of its pointed end, it’s able to deliver heat to smaller areas without affecting its surroundings.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. Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean a soldering iron. It’s important to remember to unplug the iron and let it cool before cleaning. You should also avoid using any abrasive materials when cleaning with alcohol. Wipe the iron down with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol and then dry it off with a clean cloth. Do you need to clean helping hands after soldering? Unfortunately, soldering iron tips will naturally wear down over time and will eventually need to be replaced. But by providing your soldering iron tips with the right care you can significantly extend their lifespan. We’re going to explain how to correctly care for soldering iron tips so you can enjoy better soldering results while also saving money. Clean your tips