| Your soldering iron can be an indispensable tool for | | | | than an hour, always clean and tin the tip in order |
| a number of different projects, ranging from | | | | to avoid oxidizing the solder. |
| home improvement and electronics repair to | | | | - Clean your tip with a synthetic wet sponge only; |
| metalwork and even arts and crafts! But since | | | | do not use cloths, rags or other fabrics. The |
| this tool is a very delicate, highly specialized | | | | sponge should be wet with distilled water, since |
| instrument, it's important to take good care of it - | | | | the minerals present in tap water can |
| and that's especially true of the tip, the iron's | | | | contaminate your tip. |
| most fragile (and essential) part. In order to | | | | - Don't rub the tip of your soldering iron on the |
| properly care for the tip of your iron, keep the | | | | metals you're attempting to join. |
| following pointers in mind: | | | | - Don't add solder directly to the tip itself when |
| - Don't file, grind or otherwise attempt to reshape | | | | connecting wires. Rather, heat the connecting |
| the tip because it can permanently damage it. | | | | wires so when the solder is applied it melts into |
| Instead, buy a different size or shape that is | | | | place. |
| better suited to your needs. Most manufacturers | | | | - Use the lowest temperature possible for the |
| offer a wide range of soldering iron tip sizes for | | | | project in question. This will help prolong the life of |
| precisely this purpose. | | | | your soldering iron tip. |
| - Always use fresh solder on a the tip to clean it | | | | - When finished with your iron, don't remove the |
| before you start to use it. This process is called | | | | excess solder from the tip prior to turning it off. |
| tinning, and works because the fresh solder will | | | | This solder will actually help prevent oxidation and |
| help dissipate any residual oxide covering. | | | | protect the delicate tip. |
| - When soldering at particularly high temperatures | | | | - Finally, always allow the tip of your soldering iron |
| (anything above 665 degrees Fahrenheit), or | | | | to cool completely before putting it away in a |
| when you pause your soldering work for longer | | | | specially designated storage case or holder. |