Brass tip cleaning sponge source - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: CrabxCore
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2014, 08:47:07 pm
content: Hello everyone,I have my first large assembly project where I have to hand solder 2 components on a small pcb. I was still using the original brass sponge that came with my hakko 888. After deciding it was time for a replacement I searched amazon for genuine hakko sponges but found nothing instock. I purchased these (now out of stock, with no estimated restock)http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J68YADU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1. They are not even close to what came with the iron, or what is pictured. The "loom" size is huge, Maybe 3/8th inch. Also, they do not appear to be flux coated to wick the solder off of the tip.Anyway, where do you guys get quality replacement brass sponges? (US if possible)Thanks for your help,Crab

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2014, 09:50:04 pm
content: Hakko P/N =599-029, and they do sell directly (guaranteed not to get a fake).FWIW, Amazon does sell it (here), as do a lot of other places (any Hakko distributor). Search the P/N, and you'll find it.

author: CrabxCore
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2014, 12:45:26 pm
content: Wow! I'm not sure how I missed that... I think having 888 in the search was part of the issue. I guess I will buy 5 of those and a 599B, just incase it doesn't fit in the hakko stand (different part #'s).Thanks for your help!Crab

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2014, 12:58:17 pm
content: Quote from: CrabxCore on September 18, 2014, 12:45:26 pmI must apologize.As it turns out, the FX-888D's stand (FH-800) uses a different P/N for it's brass cleaning wool (A1561instead). Can't find out any dimensions or other information, so I don't know if the 599-029 will fit or not.

author: KD0CAC John
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2014, 01:14:42 pm
content: How much , if any difference would the brass cleaning units used for dish washing be , not the ones with soap ?

author: CrabxCore
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2014, 06:52:52 pm
content: Quote from: KD0CAC John on September 18, 2014, 01:14:42 pmLarge I think... I think the 5 pack I previously purchased was just that - pot scrubbing sponge. The sponges designed for soldering are coated with flux (of some sort) to help wick the solder off of your tip. When you don't have the flux, the solder hangs out in the sponge until you insert your tip (Ha...) again. Then you have little bits of solder on your tip from when you pull it out. I will try to get some pictures of what I am talking about as soon as I unpack my charger (It's lost after the move...).Anyways, I ordered the sponges for the 599B and a 599B just incase it doesn't fit in the stand.Crab

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2014, 09:18:13 pm
content: Coil sizes tend to be smaller on soldering versions too, as well as what they're usually made of based on what I have on hand (accustomed to brass used more for soldering, stainless steel for kitchen use).

author: timelessbeing
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2016, 09:44:21 am
content: So, was the 599-029 cleaner the same (size, fineness, flux etc.) as the A1561?Mine is ready for replacement now too, and I want to make sure I get the right item.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 12:46:36 am
content: Quote from: timelessbeing on December 13, 2016, 09:44:21 amYes.The599-029is the correct replacement wool for a 599-02.TEquipment carries them as well, and slightly less expensive ($4.00 after EEVBlog discount).And given how inexpensive they are, hopefully you won't be hassled too much for importing it from the US (i.e. customs fees).

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 12:52:57 am
content: I've never had an issue with the brass wool I found at my grocery store. It'll really depend on the brand. The stuff I bought (store brand) was excellent, but they no longer sell it.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 05:02:18 am
content: Does the brass sponge actually wear out? Can't you just clean it and re-use it?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 05:01:41 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on December 14, 2016, 05:02:18 amYes.The curls get mangled out of shape (like a well-used stainless version becomes when used on pots & pans). And if you're using one that has dried flux on it, that gets used up as well.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 05:16:44 pm
content: If you found the cheap brass sponge didn't have any flux coating, you could simply dunk it in a cup filled with flux diluted in alcohol.

author: rbm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2016, 01:56:44 am
content: The 599-029 solder sponge linked by nanofrog above costs $54.30 in the Canadian Amazon store!!Luckily, I found a local source for the same part for $7.00. Much better.

author: timelessbeing
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2016, 09:08:35 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on December 14, 2016, 12:46:36 amBut I don't have the Hakko 599B holder.I have the stand which comes with the FX-888 station, which is a FH800-03BY. The replacement part number Hakko gives for the wool in that stand, is A1561. (http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx888d_parts.html). I want to know if there's a difference.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2016, 03:58:55 pm
content: Quote from: timelessbeing on December 20, 2016, 09:08:35 amSize would be the most logical answer IMHO.

author: timelessbeing
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2016, 08:49:38 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on December 20, 2016, 03:58:55 pmIn other words, you don't know and therefore have nothing to add.My question was directed more to the original poster, who actually has my stand, and ordered the mentioned item.Why is it that the loudest people are always the ones with the least valuable information on forums?

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2016, 01:10:32 pm
content: How do one see if these have flux?I have two jbc-stands, metcal ws1, two hakko 599, and an fx888d, but I cannot see any difference in these, the size of the curls looks same, only difference is the size of the ball to fit the various stands, but they are not that far away.I bought some on ebay also, but those are very different, different color, not gold-shiny as the others.I read that the 599-29 is suppoed to have white flux, but I can't find how to tell.

author: timelessbeing
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2016, 02:32:17 am
content: "The Hakko 599 is made of a long flat brass strip, rather like a shaving of phenomenal length, and is treated with a SW-11 rosin flux mixture. This mixture, 0.1% of the mass of the unit, consists of 99.% fatty acids (CHn(CHn)nCOOH)) and 1% inert material. Neither is 'hazardous to your health', but it is not good to eat."https://www.hakkousa.com/files/index/download/id/16257/

author: timelessbeing
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2017, 03:37:46 am
content: I ordered the 599-029 brass fromdigikey.It's actually larger than the original one which came with my FX-888 holder, so I'm happy with it. Certainly worth the 6.5 Canadian pesos I paid.

author: pelule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2017, 11:25:22 am
content: CrabxCore does not inform, in which country he operates (I recommend to add it to the profile).The Hakko US shop may a bit to expensive for European selleres.As I had to find the cleaning brass in Germany some time ago, please find below the official Hakko source in USA and Germany.Germany source:https://tbk-onlineshop.de/?s=599B&product_cat=0&post_type=productUSA source:https://www.hakkousa.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=599-029For other countries have a look to the HAKKO global sales information:https://www.hakko.com/world_network.htmlBRPeLuLe

author: timelessbeing
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2017, 12:10:05 am
content: He said right in his post: "US if possible"