Vectronics VEC-1500K - Manual (Page 28)

23
Soldering Iron Cleaning and Maintenance
Like tips, irons get "crusty" and need maintenance. These steps will help you
restore performance, improve safety, and extend life!
1. Remove heavy oxides and corrosion. High temperatures cause the rapid
buildup of scale and oxide deposits. These, in turn, decrease heat efficiency
by increasing surface area. Use a soft wire brush to remove as much oxide as
you can. However, avoid aggressive abrasives that could destroy metal
plating.
2. Tighten screws and fittings. Constant heating and cooling causes metallic
parts to expand and contract. Over time, hardware loosens, decreasing
contact and lowering thermal efficiency. Gently tighten loose screws and
fittings, being careful not to over-torque (tap holes may strip easily after
prolonged exposure to heat and corrosion).
3. Wipe down sponge trays. Lead is toxic, and sponge trays tend to collect a
lot of it over time! Remove the iron sponge and wipe down the tray area
thoroughly. Dispose of lead debris carefully, and replace the cleaning sponge
with a new one. Wash your hands after handing lead-contaminated materials.
4. Inspect cords and electrical connections. Hot soldering irons and PVC
electrical cords don't always mix! Inspect cords closely for heat fatigue,
cracking, tip burns, and other signs of damage. Also, clean low-voltage plugs
on solder stations. If these get corroded, the iron may lose thermal output.
On irons with grounded-tips, connect a DVM between the AC plug's ground
lug and the tip to check continuity. Never attempt to repair cords with tape
or shrink tubing. Buy new ones! Burn-proof replacement cords are now
available for many irons.
5. If a component is going bad, replace it. Over time, heat and corrosion
eventually win out, and iron parts need replacement! Order new parts at the
first indication of trouble--before the iron's impaired performance
deteriorates the quality of your work. Many items such as thermostat sensors,
barrel assemblies, elements, and cords are available from electronic
distributors or directly from manufacturers. Also, keep in mind that irons
don't live forever. If yours needs a lot of new parts and its overall condition
is deteriorating, it may be time to purchase a new one!
So far, we've covered a lot of material about solders, irons, tips, and supplies--
but we haven't said too much about the hands-on art of soldering. The remainder
of the course is devoted to that topic!