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Appendix A — Soldering and Safety Basics 385
FIGURE A-1: Weller soldering iron with holder and cleaning sponge
Never file or grind the tip. The tips of modern soldering irons are pre-tinned and pre-
shaped. Using a file on them destroys this surface and may harm the temperature sensor
(if it has one).
Always keep the soldering iron in the holder when not in use. Laying the soldering iron
down on the table not only invites painful accidents; it also can melt nearby unintended
substances, which can be particularly troubling if they actually melt to the tip.
If you do inadvertently melt something to the soldering iron, carefully wipe it off on the
cleaning sponge while the iron is hot. If that doesn’t clean it off, replace the tip.
Only turn it on when you need it. Irons aren’t meant to be on for more than a few hours.
Don’t leave it on overnight.
Solder
There are many types of solder. The three main aspects of various types of solder are: lead or
lead-free, acid or rosin flux core, and diameter. For most electronics work, get lead solder with
rosin core. Acid flux solder should never be used for electronics work. The diameter is less