How to Use a Sal Ammoniac Block to Maintain Your Soldering Iron
For nearly 100 years, this form of ammonium chloride has been used to promote rapid tinning of soldering irons tips. Only when using well-maintained soldering irons will the solder being used flow off the tip to properly fill sheet metal seams. Sal ammoniac, also called a tinning block, quickly cleans any carbon buildup that collects on the tip of a soldering iron. Simply rub the tip of a hot iron against the block, and in seconds, the tip is clean, bright and hot.
Instructions
Step 1
For safe soldering, keep your hot soldering iron in a stand when not in use.
Step 2
Clean and re-tin the tip of your soldering iron after each use. Carefully swipe both sides of the hot tip across the surface of the sal ammoniac block.
Step 3
A soldering iron tip is very hot and may produce a small amount of smoke and fumes—work in a well-ventilated area.
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