Soldering iron tips (Weller Gas)

[2Btoo]

Chaps,

A friend gave me a Weller Pyropen soldering iron the other day. I was really pleased with it, despite the fact that the tip isn't great. Now I have investigated replacement tips I can perhaps understand why he was happy to let it go!

It looks like this:



You can see the grot on the end of it, which won't go no matter how much I wipe it while hot and sizzle it in flux.

Is there any way of getting it back to life? It doesn't solder at all well as it is, despite getting nicely hot. I'm guessing that it's past it as it's the plating that's gone.

If it is beyond repair then can anyone recommend a more cost-effective replacement than a pukka Weller WPT-2? They seem to be around £20, plus P&P, which seems daft expensive. Tips I have bought for other soldering irons have not been more than a couple of quid.

Thanks!

[sherman]

Is it worth trying simple things like soaking it for 24hours in a glass of Coca cola?

[dickymint]

Couple of rubs with 600 grit emery cloth.

[crowfield]

File the tip. It will be as good as new

[OutInTheShed]

You can try the tip cleaner things they sell or some aggressive flux such as used by plumbers.
Once the coating under the tinning is gone though, tips are never the same again.

Try Ali Express?

Edited by OutInTheShed on Thursday 21st November 19:34

[D_G]

I use these every day, I would replace the tip. There's a little catalyst inside that burn out as well over time so that affects the tip temperature.
Also only use impurity free gas as some standard gas tends to clog them up

[dickymint]

crowfield said:

File the tip. It will be as good as new

too abrasive - tips have a coating over a copper core - solder and flux 'eat' copper! Use a fine grit paper to remove the crap only.

[dhutch]

Wipe with damp cloth when hot, then wire wool?

I have filed antex tips before now, but only after the had already got good and concave which doesnt appear to be the case here.