How to clean oxidized solder tips

After heating and cooling the solder tips will eventually starting to get black - where it coated by the layer of oxidation. This is especially happens to cheap soldering tips of course the expensive one is no difference after using them for long time.

Why do we need to clean the oxidized solder tips? simply because oxidized tips will repel the solder and won't stick to the tips this will affect soldering process significantly. If the solder tips starting to get black you can try to use it the solder will melt away from the tips and won't stick at all. 

In this video explains how to clean solder tips using sand paper. It's simple and effective.

Another great and simple video explains how to maintain the solder iron tips using flux and solder. Then keep a blob of solder on the iron tips when it is not in used.



Very good simple guide how to maintain and service oxidized solder by the famous solder equipment manufacturer Hakko. Effective and simple to  follow

1. Clean using fine sand paper for excessive solder tip oxidation
2. Always tinned the solder tips when not in use
3. Use wet sponge

http://www.hakko.com/english/maintenance/topic_kotesaki.html.
http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_ft700.html
http://www.hakko.com/english/maintenance/topic_oxidized.html