Desoldering braid not wicking
If desoldering braid is not absorbing solder, the usual causes are oxidized braid, insufficient flux, poor heat transfer, or the wrong…
Troubleshooting
Practical help choosing, using and maintaining soldering irons and stations for electronics work.
Troubleshooting
Flux smoke filling a small room
If flux smoke is filling a small room, stop soldering, ventilate the space, and move the extraction nozzle close to the solder joint. Then…
Solder will not melt on the iron
If solder will not melt on your iron, the usual causes are an oxidized or poorly tinned tip, insufficient temperature, poor contact,…
Soldering Iron Not Heating Up: Causes and Fixes
If your soldering iron is not heating up, start with the tip, power connection, temperature setting, and heater indicator. These checks can…
Station temperature jumping around: causes and fixes
A soldering station may show small temperature changes during normal heating, but rapid, large, or persistent jumps can indicate a loose…
Tip dying because it was left dry at 400C
Leaving a soldering tip dry at 400°C can burn away its protective solder coating and create heavy oxidation. Try cleaning and re-tinning it…
Tip not staying tinned: causes and fixes
A soldering tip that will not stay tinned is usually oxidized, contaminated, overheated, or worn out. Follow these checks in order before…
Tip Oxidizing After a Few Sessions: Causes and Fixes
A soldering tip that turns dark, stops wetting, or develops a rough surface after a few sessions is usually being overheated, cleaned too…
USB-C PD Irons and Underpowered Chargers
A USB-C soldering iron that heats slowly, cycles on and off, or cannot maintain temperature may be receiving too little power. Check the…