How should we use an electric soldering iron correctly in daily life?
1. The first point to mention is the issue with the use of this flux (solder paste). Most fluxes are acidic and have a certain oxidation effect on the soldering iron head. It is best not to use them.
Here is a recommended method for making flux, which is to grind rosin into powder and pour it into an alcohol solution for sufficient dissolution. This ratio is usually 40% rosin powder with a 60% alcohol solution, and having a little more rosin is not a problem. It is important to note that medical alcohol should not be used, and a solution of over 90% alcohol should be used. At the same time, this container should be kept sealed.
2. The second point to mention is the power outage issue. Many users are accustomed to not unplugging the power plug in a timely manner after using it. When the soldering iron head is in a heated state, it will naturally oxidize and not stick to the solder. Therefore, in daily use, it is necessary to cut off the power promptly after use.
3. The third point to mention is the issue of tin plating on soldering iron heads that many people overlook. In order to save time, most people do not tin their soldering iron heads after using an electric soldering iron. Even if the soldering iron head is powered off, its temperature is still very high and it will oxidize with the air. However, tinning it before power off can prevent it from being oxidized.
4. The fourth point to talk about is the soldering problem, there are both good and bad soldering. For the sake of affordability, most people choose to buy cheap soldering wire. Although cheap, the quality is very worrying, and it is easy to produce solder slag, even turning into solder slag when exposed to heat. It not only affects the quality of welding, but also is very detrimental to the soldering iron head. Therefore, it is important not to be tempted by small gains. Choosing a good soldering wire is important. Generally speaking, buying a soldering wire worth 60 yuan per kilogram is enough. The author used 500 grams of solder wire purchased for 65 yuan, which is quite useful, with smooth solder joints and no solder slag.
5. The fifth and final point that the author wants to emphasize is the soldering iron head. A good soldering iron head can achieve twice the result with half the effort. If we use it daily, we can use a round head or a knife head, but we need to choose a better soldering iron head. For example, soldering iron heads made of copper are very durable and have strong antioxidant capacity.
