There are many low-cost options out there for metal wire mesh tip cleaners. Three types of wire metal are dominant - steel, brass and copper.
I was wondering if there is a metal that is superior to others, and one that should be avoided, and why?
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Sign up to join this communityThere are many low-cost options out there for metal wire mesh tip cleaners. Three types of wire metal are dominant - steel, brass and copper.
I was wondering if there is a metal that is superior to others, and one that should be avoided, and why?
The real issue is how abrasive the metals are. Damaging the solder-friendly plating of your soldering iron bit is best avoided by using a softer metal. Hence brass or copper wire wool is better than eg steel wool because it's softer and kinder to the tip's plating.
BE WARNED SOME COPPER WIRE WOOL IS REALLY COPPER PLATED!
simple magnet test does proves it all!
i just bought some from a dollar store (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brillo-Bonus-4-Ct-Pack-Copper-Coated-Steel-Scouring-Pads-Scrubbers-Heavy-Duty-/322370851238) and i made that mistake. Not to mention it said that its meant for removing heavy stuck on grime for pots! most probably don't want that for your tip. It feels pretty course but im too cheap (and lazy) to buy another so ill use it and let you guys know what are the results!