How to Fix A Broken Soldering Iron
Published: 2020-08-26 20:19:09

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Do you have a damaged soldering iron? If yes, you don’t need to buy a replacement immediately. You can still fix it and save a little money. First, let us have a refresher about the [soldering iron and its uses](https://handtoolsforfun.com/what-is-a-soldering-iron-used-for/).
 
##What Is A Soldering Iron? 
The soldering iron is a tool used for repairs and electronics. It can melt the solder or metal alloy with a low melting point so that 2 materials will be fused using heat. It is useful for jewelers, electronic technicians, metal workers and more. It is safer to use compared to other heating tools. 

##What Are the Uses of a Soldering Iron? 
Soldering irons have many uses. It is beneficial for different industries and projects.
 
###Roofing repair 
Soldering irons can be useful in repairing roofs. It fuses galvanized metals for combining sections of metal gutters. If you have a roofing repair business, the soldering iron can be your perfect partner.
 
###Plumbing repair
It can be used for making repairs to metal and [copper pipes](https://handtoolsforfun.com/can-you-solder-a-copper-pipe-with-a-soldering-iron/). Your plumbing system is essential for a convenient way of living. Well, the soldering iron can help to maintain the efficiency of your plumbing system. 

###Auto Repair
The soldering iron is used in small tasks in auto repair. It can smooth rough edges, [connect wires](https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a1430/4213013/), fill in irregular cavities and tighten joints. Although it is not used for repairing engines, it can tin the edges of metal sheets as you repair the body of your automobile. 

###Soldering Mosaics and Stained Glass 
Lead-free soldering irons are used for mosaic sculptures and stained-glass windows. It needs 100-watt soldering iron with a glass grinder or glass cutter. If you want to produce quality mosaics and stained glass, the soldering iron can be an essential tool. 

###Jewelry Trades
Jewelers are using soldering iron and soldering pens with interchangeable tips. The solder comes with a high silver percentage. As the heat is applied, jewelers utilize borax flux to lessen the oxidation. It is essential to keep the quality work of jewelers. 

###Home Projects 
The soldering iron has many uses, and one of these is for your home projects. It can attach the wires and circuit-board repairs. If you need to make your home projects with great quality, you can use the soldering iron. 

###Soldering for Electricians
Electricians use the soldering iron for splicing wires for performing commercial as well as residential wiring. The tool is also used for fusing wires on electrical terminals on control panels or inside the electrical devices. It is used for electrical repair to keep safety in the electrical connection. 

###Soldering Vacuum Tubes
The soldering iron is also useful in vacuum tubes. It is used to insulate parts and form a sealant for metal and ceramic connections. It is necessary to free passage of electric current.
  
###Soldering PC motherboards & small single-board computers 
The circuit board, as in a [motherboard](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpcA0F-c3M4), is essential in electronics. The soldering iron joins components to establish the proper electric current. Don't forget to use proper temperature control for the task.

Those are some uses of a soldering iron, now let's proceed towards fixing a broken soldering iron.

##Fixing A Damaged Soldering Iron 
The first thing you need to know is what part of the soldering iron is broken. If your soldering iron is not working properly even if it’s plugged, there is a tendency that it has a broken filament. You can also monitor the wires on the plug through a multi-tester. If your outlet and connection of the wires are functioning well, it is time for you to replace your soldering iron’s filament.
 
##Materials Needed 
You need a new filament for your soldering iron. The wattage of the filament can depend on the soldering iron that you are going to fix. If you have 30 watts soldering iron, you can use a 30 watts filament. Your broken soldering iron can be fixed using electrical tape for high temperature purposes.
 
In fixing your broken soldering iron, you will also need wire cutters, replacement heating element, steel brush, needle-nosed pliers as well as a spanner wrench. 

##Removing Filament 
You can remove the filament inside of your soldering iron. You can do this by twisting its handle and trunk on opposite sides. If your soldering iron has screws, you can unscrew it to remove the filament. You must be careful since the screws of a soldering iron can have rust, especially if it’s not hard metal. 

Once the soldering iron is open, remove its filament through using cutter pliers. Cut the filament’s terminals that are attached to the soldering iron wires. You can replace it with the new filament by attaching it to the wires. You can cut the terminal of your old filament. In this case, you need to use electrical tapes that can withstand high temperatures and cover the terminals of the new filament that you just have attached. It can avoid a short circuit. 

##Your Soldering Iron Is Working Properly Again 
After the replacement of the broken filament of your soldering iron, you can assemble it again. Screw it again if it comes with a screw. You can test your soldering iron if it works.
 
##Tips for The Maintenance of Your Soldering Iron 
Your soldering iron can be broken if you fail to [maintain and clean it regularly](https://handtoolsforfun.com/how-to-clean-a-soldering-iron/). If you want to prolong the efficiency of your tool, you must keep its tip clean. Makes sure that its body must also be free from dirt. With this, you can save more of your money since you don’t have to buy a replacement. Make sure also to unplug your tool before fixing the heating element.
 
By having regular maintenance, you have the assurance that your soldering iron will work well for your specific needs. On the other hand, if you have a broken soldering iron, you can follow the tips mentioned above. 

However, if you don’t have knowledge on fixing your soldering iron, you can seek help from the professionals. With that, you can make sure that you can bring back the perfect efficiency of your soldering iron. You don’t need to buy a replacement for your soldering iron immediately.