How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

OldTechFan96 · 20th Apr 2018, 1:57 pm

I have a Rawlplug Mark 4 soldering iron that I like to use for tackling solder that won't melt with my 25W iron.

The large, chisel shaped tip is good on one surface but a bit worse for wear on the others.

What would be the best way to restore the condition of the tip?

paulsherwin · 20th Apr 2018, 2:11 pm

I would leave that alone. It doesn't look too bad, and you won't be using it for precision work.

You can sometimes file bits down, but it depends on the bit construction. Only do it as a last resort.

radioman · 20th Apr 2018, 3:52 pm

I use Multicore Tip Tinner / Cleaner :-
http://cpc.farnell.com/multicore-sol...gdom%2Fsearch#

Diabolical Artificer · 21st Apr 2018, 6:31 am

Kitchen scouring pads, the non soap filled kind get tips clean. Wouldn't file that one, it looks in good nick.

A.

OldTechFan96 · 22nd Apr 2018, 10:25 am

With the mention of kitchen scouring pads I thought that I should try some fine grit sandpaper.

I gave the tip a good rub down. Most of the black tarnish eventually came off. Once the iron was up to its operating temperature it readily accepted solder and the tip was tinned without trouble.

Does anybody know the wattage of this iron and how old it might be?

paulsherwin · 22nd Apr 2018, 11:00 am

Probably 1960s and around 100W. Irons of this type weren't intended for electronic work.

mike_newcomb · 22nd Apr 2018, 1:04 pm

Hi OldTech,

(for future reference) you mention 'Large Chisel shaped Tip' yet there is nothing in any of your Photos to give an indication of scale / size.

When necessary, I do this by including an open Imperial and Metric Tape Measure in the Photo.

Regards - Mike

flyingtech55 · 22nd Apr 2018, 6:29 pm

Or even a piece of common currency such as a 50p piece or £1 coin for scale.

20th Apr 2018, 1:57 pm	#1
OldTechFan96 Octode Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK. Posts: 1,181	How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron? I have a Rawlplug Mark 4 soldering iron that I like to use for tackling solder that won't melt with my 25W iron. The large, chisel shaped tip is good on one surface but a bit worse for wear on the others. What would be the best way to restore the condition of the tip? Attached Thumbnails

20th Apr 2018, 2:11 pm	#2
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,947	Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron? I would leave that alone. It doesn't look too bad, and you won't be using it for precision work. You can sometimes file bits down, but it depends on the bit construction. Only do it as a last resort.

20th Apr 2018, 3:52 pm	#3
radioman Heptode Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ayr, Ayrshire, UK. Posts: 631	Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron? I use Multicore Tip Tinner / Cleaner :- http://cpc.farnell.com/multicore-sol...gdom%2Fsearch#

21st Apr 2018, 6:31 am	#4
Diabolical Artificer Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sleaford, Lincs. UK. Posts: 7,662	Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron? Kitchen scouring pads, the non soap filled kind get tips clean. Wouldn't file that one, it looks in good nick. A. __________________ Curiosity hasn't killed this cat...so far.

22nd Apr 2018, 10:25 am	#5
OldTechFan96 Octode Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK. Posts: 1,181	Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron? With the mention of kitchen scouring pads I thought that I should try some fine grit sandpaper. I gave the tip a good rub down. Most of the black tarnish eventually came off. Once the iron was up to its operating temperature it readily accepted solder and the tip was tinned without trouble. Does anybody know the wattage of this iron and how old it might be? Attached Thumbnails

22nd Apr 2018, 11:00 am	#6
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,947	Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron? Probably 1960s and around 100W. Irons of this type weren't intended for electronic work.

22nd Apr 2018, 1:04 pm	#7
mike_newcomb Rest in Peace Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: West London, UK. Posts: 665	Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron? Hi OldTech, (for future reference) you mention 'Large Chisel shaped Tip' yet there is nothing in any of your Photos to give an indication of scale / size. When necessary, I do this by including an open Imperial and Metric Tape Measure in the Photo. Regards - Mike

22nd Apr 2018, 6:29 pm	#8
flyingtech55 Octode Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ayrshire, UK. Posts: 1,096	Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron? Or even a piece of common currency such as a 50p piece or £1 coin for scale. __________________ All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.