Is That the Right Soldering Iron Tip for the Job?

There are at least five different types of soldering iron tips, each with its own purpose. We recommend having all of them in your tool kit.

Not all soldering tasks are alike. Some require lots of solder while others call for working in hard-to-reach places. There are at least five types of soldering iron tips to handle these different tasks. Each one has different features suited to specific applications. It’s all about working smarter instead of harder here. Let’s take a closer look into the world of soldering iron tips.

1. Chisel Tips

These are our most popular type of soldering iron tip. The tapered edge lets you access hard-to-reach areas between components. And the chisel-shaped edge also distributes heat in a uniform pattern. Our chisel tips are great for various soldering applications such as:

• Cables
• Pass-through connections
• Wide surface mount components
• Onboard connections
• Desoldering (when partnered with an extracting tool)

When using a chisel tip, they should be about 60% of the size of the solder pad. This helps prevent overheating the components.

2. Conical Tips

These soldering iron tips feature a pointed shape much like a cone, hence the name. This design concentrates heat onto small areas. Because of the small, pointed head, conical tips let you access hard-to-reach places. This is why it’s always good to have one in your soldering iron kit.

Our conical soldering iron tips are used for:

• Surface-mount components
• Wire connector applications
• Other soldering work in tight spaces

Here’s a basic tip for soldering with conical tips: don’t push too hard. The sharp points of these tips are easy to damage if they are not used with care. Pushing too hard can also damage the components of the device you’re trying to solder.

3. Beveled Tips aka Hoof Tips

Like other soldering iron tips, these are named after their shape. Solder-It beveled tips look similar to conical tips but have a slight concave impression on the back. (It resembles an animal’s hoof.) This unique design lets users accommodate more solder onto the tip. This, in turn, makes it easy to spread that solder where it’s needed in the work area. The hoof tip also gathers and removes excess solder.

Beveled soldering iron tips are good for applications that require a pre-loaded tip such as:

• Small gauge wire
• Drag soldering multiple surface mount part pins

4. Knife Tips

These are also known as hot knife tips. This shape lets you reach slotted cavities that other soldering iron tips can’t access. Use our knife tips for these tasks:

• Multi-lead applications
• J-lead components including PLCCs and DRAMs
• Fixing solder bridges
• Cutting carpet, plastic, and other materials

5. Blade Tips

We make these soldering iron tips to be broader and wider than other tips. Such a wide surface area lets you get a lot of work done per sitting. Use Solder-It blade tips for:

• Rework
• Pad leveling
• Pad cleaning
• Removing solder (with soldering braid and tacky flux)

Other Things to Consider When Choosing a Soldering Iron

By now you know that having  multiple soldering iron tips is important. That’s why you need a soldering iron or butane torch that accommodates interchangeable tips. Thankfully, most Solder-It soldering irons let you do this. Your tool should also feature a quick heat-up time and adjustable heat. Lastly, your soldering iron should have a solid construction. You don’t want it to fall apart in the middle of a job!

Solder-It Soldering Irons

We’re proud to be the most trusted name in soldering irons. Our butane soldering irons and butane torches check all the boxes for what professionals and DIYers need in soldering tools. Many of our soldering irons and soldering iron kits come with multiple soldering iron tips. We also offer a variety of soldering iron tips so you can handle all the soldering work that comes your way. Shop Solder-It for all your soldering needs!