USE/CARE OF HANDTOOLS & MEASURING TOOLS - OD1621 - LESSON 2/TASK 1
FIGURE 61.
WIRE SPLICES FOR SOLDERING.
d. Care of Soldering Irons. Electric iron tips must be kept securely
fastened in the heater unit, and kept clean and free of copper oxide.
Sometimes the shaft becomes oxidized and the tip may stick in place. Remove
the tip occasionally and scrape off the scale. If the shaft is kept clean,
the tip will not only receive more heat from the heater element, but it can
be removed easily when replacement is necessary. After use, hang soldering
irons on a rack, or place on a shelf; do not throw an iron into a tool box.
When storing irons for long periods of time, coat the shaft and all metal
parts with rust preventive compound and store in a dry place.
e. Maintenance of Soldering Irons.
(1) Reconditioning Nonelectric Soldering Iron Tip. To recondition a
nonelectric soldering iron tip, perform the operations outlined in (a)
through (h) below.
(a) File all old solder and oxide scale from the faces and point
of the copper tip.
(b) File the tip to the proper pyramidal shape so that the faces
taper back to an efficient working angle, depending on the size of the iron.
The point should be slightly rounded.
(c) Use a torch or flame to heat the copper tip to a dull red
color.
Do not direct the flame at the extreme point; doing so will burn it.
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