Left soldering iron on, now the tip is black. :(

[MrFug]

My iron turned black after a solid 2 days jtagging. I gave it a hard wipe with a soft cloth which removed most of the black, exposing copper underneath. I'm pretty sure the iron was silver when I bought it though. :-s

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[chucklor]

I've used this solder with this iron many times before mate and never had a problem. My iron is a 25w Antex with a fine tip. My problem is that the tip is blackened and I'm having trouble getting it cleaned.

However, my problem has just got a hell of a lot worse, every time I turn on the iron it trips a circuit and my electricity goes off. Time for the bin I think.

Time for a new iron.

If it is tripping the RCD it has developed a earth fault, but if it is tripping the MCB it has got a short circuit, you could drop it on a PAT tester to determine the fault, but for what they cost these days I would be inclined to bin it and get a new one, if you do get it working again the black tip may be a sign it is getting too hot, so you could damage beyond repair the item you are trying to solder...chuck

[torchy]

Witchy its not worth messing about with get a new one they are cheap enough to buy mate.
Buy Craftsman 40 Watt Soldering Iron at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for Craft kits and accessories.

[tazzuk2009]

The last time I used my soldering iron I forgot about it and it burned away for about 3 hours before I switched it off.

I've just taken it out the cupboard to Jtag an Xbox 360 but I can't seem to clean the tip. I've tried tinning it but the solder just won't take to the oxidised tip. I've rubbed it on my wet sponge over and over and dunked it in my copper tip cleaning thingy again and again but it won't budge.

Are there any common household product that would help, something like vinegar, lemon juice, bicarbonate soda, cola etc?

silly boy. ya wont b doing that again

[Meat-Head]

Antex 25w mate, but it's ~~~~ed now.

One of these mate.

THERE ARE AWESOME irons - had them since was younger.

Only ever thing that went wrong with them was me - either shut in a dorr and broke, or stood on.

MAKE SURE your replacement iron is the same, - them cheap china ones, with a 'nail' for a tip - they last us short time - then binned - Antex - love them long time.

Would be worth downloading a mechanical plugin timer, set to off only - if you forget after say 5 hours - ping oooff it goes.

[racin-snake]

alo as an alternative ANTEX solder iron cheap and reliable 240v iron
i have a micro 12v antex had it for years tiny thing good for getting into the pins for jtag and bdm also has a overheat protection and tips are cheap and easy to replace also a few different styles from 1.2 mm and hoof type for drag soldering
shit hot for smd stuff to be honest

cheap from many electronics places or fleabay