What if the tip replacement becomes impossible? (In case of a soldering iron with a separate type tip and enclosure)

In most cases, "seizing of metal parts" makes the tip replacement harder.

In replacing a separate type tip, loosen the nut and change the tip.

It is easy to remove a nut, an enclosure pipe, and a tip from a brand-new soldering iron. But, oxide and carbide accumulate among the metal parts through repeated use, and the parts stick to each other. As a result, disassembling may be impossible.

This phenomenon is called "seizing". If disassembly becomes impossible, replacing the sized parts with new ones is necessary.

*Enclosure pipe and nut of FX-601 and FX-8805 are one integrated part.

Examples of seizing

Seizing of tip and enclosure pipe

Seizing of enclosure pipe and nut

Troubleshooting

Seizing of tip and enclosure pipe

➡Replace tip and enclosure pipe

Seizing of enclosure pipe and nut

➡Replace enclosure pipe and nut

Check the part numbers of replacement parts on each product page. Products site

In rare cases, the insert pipe sticks on the heating element when removing the tip.

The heating element is still usable if removing the insert pipe without heater breakage.

Example of seizing between the heating element and insert pipe of tip ( image of PRESTO )

Troubleshooting

Pinch the pipe on the heater lightly with pliers, and pull it out with rotating action.

The heating element may break if pressed too much.
Try to remove it gently and slowly.

If removing the insert pipe without heater breakage:

➡The heater should still be functional, but the tip replacement is necessary.

The removed insert pipe is no longer usable even putting it back in the tip.

Soldering with the tip without the insert pipe does not transfer heat properly and can cause heater failure in the worst case.

If impossible to remove the insert pipe from the heater (Also including the case of the broken heater)

➡Replace the soldering tip and the heating element.

Check the part numbers of replacement parts on each product page. Products site

The more severe seizing, oxidation, and carbonization of the parts will get, the worse the heat transfer to the tip will be. As a result, soldering quality will be poor.
Also, it can be a cause of the increase of the tip to ground resistance and leak voltage. Therefore, the regular preventive maintenance on the parts is recommended.

Check here for the information on maintenance.
Maintenance on a tip, and enclosure pipe separate type soldering iron