Soldering Iron Tips

Soldering iron tips, often referred to as 'bits', transfer heat from a soldering iron into solder so that it melts and can flow into the joint between two components or workpieces. In turn, this forms a strong and reliable electrical connection. For anyone involved in electronics work, from intricate circuit board assembly to general repairs, the quality and condition of their soldering iron tips are vital.

To protect your soldering iron tips, you should tin your tip before and after soldering to create a protective layer between the air and the tip. Tinning the soldering iron tips prevents oxidisation and allows for a more efficient heat transfer.

RS NZ offers a wide variety of soldering iron tips, including popular options like flat-shaped and conical tips, ensuring you have the right tool for every task.

Types of Soldering Iron Tips

Most soldering irons have interchangeable tips that have slightly different shapes to allow for different tasks or precision levels. For example, conical tips are used for fine electronics work. Other common tip shapes include:

Conical Tips

Conical soldering iron tips are a versatile, standard choice, often resembling a pencil point. This fine tip delivers concentrated heat to a very small area, making it ideal for delicate electronics work and achieving precision in intricate soldering jobs. They are widely regarded as a fundamental tip shape for general use.

Chisel Tips

Another frequently used soldering iron tip type, chisel bits are characterised by their broad, flat end. This design allows for the even distribution of heat and solder across larger areas, making it excellent for soldering component leads and pads.

Bevel Tips

Also known as a hoof tip, the bevel soldering iron bit features an angled cut at its end. This unique shape provides a greater surface area for heat transfer than its diameter suggests, making it particularly effective for drag-soldering techniques and tasks that require larger quantities of solder alloy.

Knife Tips

Knife tips, sometimes referred to as blade soldering iron tips, feature a flattened tip with a fine, sharp edge. This design is highly useful for accessing tight spaces, as well as for precise desoldering and the removal of excess material, especially in confined areas.

Concave Tips

Concave tips, featuring a V-groove or concave section at the very end, are designed to improve access to component leads. The increased surface area that contacts both the board and the lead ensures excellent heat supply to solder joints, promoting sufficient solder flow. They are particularly recommended for multi-layered or thick printed wiring boards due to their efficient heat transfer capabilities.

Bent Tips

Bent tips are characterised by an angled or curved working end, making them highly effective for drag soldering techniques. Their peculiar design also allows for easier access into narrow or otherwise difficult-to-reach spaces, making them ideal for intricate soldering applications across plumbing, electronics, and automotive industries.

T12 Cartridge Tips

This innovative design ensures extremely rapid heat-up times and excellent thermal recovery, meaning the tip quickly regains its set temperature even during demanding soldering tasks. These tips are renowned for their precision and stability, making them highly effective for intricate electronics work, fine pitch soldering, and applications requiring quick temperature changes.

Maintenance Tips for Soldering Iron Tip

Proper maintenance of your soldering iron tips is crucial for ensuring their longevity, optimal performance, and consistent soldering results.

1. Tinning the Tip

This involves coating the heated tip with a thin, even layer of solder. When your soldering iron tip is new or has been cleaned, apply a small amount of solder to its working surface. This protective layer prevents oxidation, promotes efficient heat transfer, and ensures that the solder flows smoothly during use. Regularly re-tinning, especially after cleaning or between soldering sessions, is key to maintaining a healthy tip.

2. Cleaning the Tip

To keep your tip in perfect condition, you should aim to clean before, during and after use. Before you solder, ensure that you have cleaned the surfaces which are to be soldered with an alcohol wipe.

To clean your tips, use either brass wool (less abrasive) or stainless steel wool (more abrasive). Try to avoid using a sponge, as doing so rapidly cycles the tip through a hot and cold cycle. Doing this repeatedly will cause metal fatigue and tip failure. Once you have cleaned the tip, ensure that you cover it with fresh solder so as to prevent oxidisation.

3. Optimal Operating Temperature

Putting your soldering tips through excessive temperatures will shorten their lifespan. The temperature of the tip will decrease as the soldering iron is used more. There is the temptation to increase the idle temperature to compensate for this temperature drop, but don’t as this will shorten the life of the soldering iron tip. If you aren’t actively using your soldering iron, think about turning it off or setting it to a low ‘idle’ temperature to maximise tip life.

4. Using Flux

When metals come into contact with oxygen, an oxide layer is formed on the surface of the metal. This oxidisation prevents solder from wetting the joint correctly and impacts the quality of the solder joint. Flux dissolves this oxidisation layer.

5. Reactivating Oxidised Tips

If a soldering iron tip becomes oxidised it will appear darker in colour and you may not be able to tin it. If your tip is oxidised you can use a tip activator to remove the oxidisation as it will break down the oxide layer. Once cleaned and refreshed, tin the tip again to protect it from oxidisation.

6. Proper Storage

Correct storage is vital for preserving the quality and lifespan of your soldering iron tips. Store your cooled down tips in a dry, clean environment, ideally in a dedicated tip holder or a sealed container to protect them from dust and humidity. For specific types, such as gas soldering iron tips or specialised Weller soldering iron tips, consult the manufacturer's recommendations for long-term storage to prevent corrosion and maintain their precise shape.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Soldering Iron Tip

Selecting the correct soldering iron tip is paramount for achieving high-quality solder joints and efficient work. With a variety of tips available, considering these factors will help you make an informed decision:

• Tip Shape: Different solder tips are designed for specific tasks. For instance, a flat soldering iron tip (chisel tip) excels at soldering larger components or wires, while a fine conical tip is ideal for delicate surface-mount work. Matching the tip shape to your application ensures optimal heat transfer and solder flow.
• Tip Size: The size of your soldering iron tip directly impacts heat delivery. Larger tips hold more heat and are better for bigger components or ground planes, whereas smaller tips are perfect for intricate work on crowded printed circuit boards (PCBs). Choosing the appropriate size prevents underheating or overheating components.
• Material: The core material of a soldering tip is typically copper, which offers excellent thermal conductivity. This is then plated with iron and often chrome. The quality of these platings significantly affects the tip's lifespan and resistance to oxidation.
• Durability: A durable solder iron tip will resist oxidation and wear, extending its lifespan and maintaining consistent performance. Look for tips with robust iron plating to ensure longevity, especially important for frequently used tips.
• Compatibility: Ensure the soldering iron tip you choose is fully compatible with your specific soldering iron model. Brands like Weller and RS Pro are designed for their respective systems, ensuring proper fit and function.
• Heat Retention: Good heat retention is crucial for stable soldering temperatures. A tip that holds heat well allows for quicker work and prevents temperature drops when contacting a cold solder joint, leading to stronger, more reliable connections.

Applications of Soldering Iron Tips

Our diverse range of soldering iron tips available ensures that there's an ideal tool for virtually every soldering task. Here are some key applications:

• PCB Assembly and Repair: For assembling and repairing PCBs, various soldering iron tips are indispensable. Fine conical or chisel tips are often used for general component attachment, while a flat soldering iron tip can be effective for dragging solder across multiple pins during repair work.
• Surface-Mount Device (SMD) Soldering: The miniature size of SMDs demands highly precise solder tips. Very fine conical tips, bevel tips, or even concave tips are crucial here to ensure accurate placement and a secure solder joint without disturbing adjacent components.
• Prototyping and Development: In the creation of new electronic circuits and prototypes, engineers and hobbyists rely on a versatile set of soldering iron tips. Having a selection, perhaps including gas soldering iron tips or a general soldering gun kit with tips, allows for adaptability as designs evolve and various components are tested.
• Educational Use: For teaching electronics and practical soldering skills, a foundational understanding of soldering iron tips is key. Simple, robust solder tips are used to demonstrate basic soldering techniques, helping students learn proper heat application and solder flow on various components.

Shop Now for Reliable Soldering Iron Tips

For high-quality soldering solutions, look no further than RS NZ, your reliable supplier and distributor. We offer an extensive range of soldering iron tips, including products from esteemed brands like Weller, Hakko, and our durable RS PRO. Whether you need a precise soldering iron tip for intricate electronics, a versatile flat-shaped one, or durable solder tips for general assembly, our comprehensive selection has the perfect solution to enhance your soldering work.

Don't let worn-out tips compromise your projects. Explore our wide variety of soldering iron tips today and ensure optimal heat transfer, clean solder joints, and efficient performance every time.

Aside from soldering iron tips, we also have other tools to help you with your soldering, such as soldering stations and industrial work benches.

Ordering & Delivery Information for NZ

Ordering your soldering iron tips is quick and easy with RS NZ. Explore our wide range, including flat and gas soldering iron tips, all available on our online store. Once you've found the right tip for your project, simply add it to your cart and proceed to our secure checkout.

RS NZ ensures reliable and speedy delivery across the country. Your soldering tips will be processed swiftly and delivered to your chosen address. For further information on shipping options, delivery times, and associated costs, please visit our Delivery page.