DIY everlasting soldering tip

#12

Joined Nov 30, 2010
18,224
Try anti-seize compound for automotive assembly. The stuff they use around disk brakes has to survive surprisingly high temperatures...and you can get the tip off next year.:p
 

jimdigriz

Joined Dec 27, 2013
1
I must concur that most soldering iron tips absolute rip-offs. Weller tips for the 25W SP23 seem to be the worst, even with good cleaning. The plating wears off fast and they get deep pits, not to mention their outrageous price. My solution was also DIY: I purchased a 3/16" bronze rod from the hardware store. I cut off a 1-1/2" section and ground it to a point. The other end is threaded with a standard #10-32tpi die. I made four of them. I can replace them every few months--because without plating, they also wear out, but I feel better about saving the money and being able to shape my own tips. I will note that the 3/16" rod is slightly oversize--to chuck the rod piece into your drill, then hold it against a belt grinder and grind a taper on the end that you will thread.
 
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