Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
I use to do a lot of soldering in the electronics business. A couple of tricksI learned: 1. Keep solder on the tip. I wrap the tip with solder before I turn the iron on. I put a "blob" of solder on the tip after I finish soldering and before I put it back into the stand. Most of the black then is the burnt flux. Always keep solder on the tip and the solder will be eaten not the tip. Wipe the blob off before soldering and re-tin the tip. 2. A sponge is must, but not real wet, too much water cools the tip and aids in the tip being eaten. 3. Manage your heat, higher wattage will eat tips faster, if you aren't going to solder for a while, turn down the heat, or turn the iron off. 4. If you have threaded tips, keep the threads clean for better heat transfer. While the iron is cold, unscrew the tip and clean the threads with a wire brush. If you do this regularly, you don't need any anti-seize compound.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!