Wire Solder tip cleaner

[Bill_F]

Have any of you tried that Xytronik solder tip cleaner. It kind of looks like a metal scouring pad (that's the only way I can think of describing it). Supposedly you don't need the wet sponge if you use this. Sounds interesting, anybody tried it?

Bill

[Peter Snowberg]

I've been using either that cleaner or an equivalent method (after I lost the Xytronic cleaner) for many years and I'll never use a sponge again. My tips last forever.

I'm quite convinced that the majority of tip damage comes from the wet sponge cleaning method.

Take care,
-Peter

[Samuel]

I've been using a little tub of tip cleaner / tinner from Radioshack, which doubles as a quick way to retin a tip, and provides a nice edge (the edge of the tub) to scrape scale off of the iron. Anybody have any positive or negative experience with this stuff?

[MarkB]

I use the RadioShack goop, too... seems to work well, but my iron is only a year old - I'll let you know in a few years if I'm still using my tip!
"-)

[jimbob]

I use the r shack  tip cleaner as well- I like it and tips seem to last a little longer.

[aron]

wow, I gotta try that Radio Shack stuff.

OK, I'm guilty  - I use a sponge.

[Rick]

I've just upgraded to the XY tronics iron and i'm very happy with it. The tip cleaner is a wad of shaved brass stuffed into an ashtray like container. It looks like the dregs from brass drilling (probably is) but it does a wonderful "dry" cleaning job on the iron tip. I've seen these tip cleaners sold separately in surplus electronic stores for ~3 or 4 $. Go for it - I doubt you'll be disappointed.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

I expect "the lion will lay down with the lamb" before the wet/dry controversy dies. I just checked a bunch of manufacturer's sites, and they don't all agree! (a good one on iron plated tips is http://www.metcal.com/tips/tiplifep.html )
But, this is what I woud expect, because different tips are made of different materials, for a start!
BTW, I'm damp!