re-tinning a pre-tinned tip

jessenator

jessenator

Well-known member
Just want to make sure I don't screw up my new investment, and future ones.

My Hakko tips come pre-tinned for lead-free soldering, or so the packaging says. I've got new 63/37 wire and matching tinning paste. Do I just straight up stick it in the gray stuff or do I need to do anything to the pre-tinned tip before that?
 
I only use the tinning paste down the road.
When I've left it dry or plugged through a plastic bag and scrubbed it or it generally isn't taking solder well.
New tip: heat it up. Glob as much solder as you can on it. Clean. Go.
Hakko is playing that tip with better stuff that what's in that tub.
 
Couldn’t help you with mixing lead free and leaded, although my gut wants to say that shouldn’t make a difference. I always make sure I leave a big blob of solder on the tip whenever it’s sitting around for more than a few minutes, and always before I turn it off. I pretty much avoid lead free, but I do like to lead an exciting life.

I’ve only used those little tins of tinning paste when I’ve had a tip that gotten screwed up, and they generally look close to new after a dip and wipe. Good stuff.
 
Man, now I want to have a stern talking to with the person who told me to clean the tip completely after every session! This is several times (having tried to search about tip tinning specifically) I've seen that you should leave a blob to protect the tip.

I use the Hakko's built-in sleep function, so hopefully that's enough between soldering bouts.
 
You leave a blob for electronics soldering irons, unless you are using something with caustic flux like a plumber or stickman.
It's just to prevent oxidation of the tip, which probably doesn't matter in Utah.
 
Ditto the blob. I go through very few tips, honestly cannot recall last one I had to throw away.

I've never had any problem using leaded on a lead-free tip. As @jwin615 said I think they are just ROHS compliant. I don't use lead free so can't say if it's a problem with a leaded tip. Guess that makes me ROHS non-compliant.
 
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