How Do You Test A Weller Soldering Iron?
The Weller Company manufactures soldering irons and guns up to about 300 watts. The irons usually run under 75 watts, and the guns start at 75 watts. Use higher wattage irons for larger areas and lower wattage ratings for smaller areas. The most common solder contains 60 percent tin and 40 percent lead and melts at roughly 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Some irons have adjustable heat controls for intricate soldering techniques for printed circuit boards. Inspect the tip of the soldering iron. If it is pitted and corroded, it is probably worn out. Replace the tip. Plug the soldering iron into a wall socket. Allow the iron to heat up. Five minutes should be plenty. Melt a bit of solder onto the tip, and quickly wipe it off with a damp sponge. The tip should now be coated with a thin and shiny layer of solder. If the solder won’t melt enough to leave this shiny layer, it is not getting hot enough and is bad. Melt a little more solder onto the tip. The solder should melt instantly when touched t
