Soldering iron won't heat up or tip won't tin

Symptoms

• Iron stays cool or barely warm after being plugged in
• Tip looks black, crusty, or won't hold melted solder
• Solder beads up and rolls off the tip instead of flowing
• Iron heats but takes unusually long

Likely causes

• CommonTip oxidized and needs cleaning or re-tinningA dirty or oxidized tip won't wet with solder even if the iron is fully heated.
• CommonOutlet, cord, or power adapter issueNo power delivery is the simplest explanation for a cold iron.
• PossibleHeating element failedLike other resistive heating tools, the element can burn out with age.
• Less commonTip worn out or pitted beyond cleaningVery old tips can wear down to bare, pitted metal that won't hold solder.

What to do

1. Confirm the outlet or power supply is working by testing another device.
2. Let the iron heat for a couple of minutes, since some models take time to reach working temperature.
3. Wipe the hot tip on a damp sponge or brass wool cleaner to remove oxidation and old solder residue.
4. Re-tin the tip by melting a small amount of fresh solder directly onto the cleaned, hot tip until it coats evenly and shines.
5. If the tip still won't tin after cleaning, it may be worn out; replace it if the iron uses a removable tip.
6. If the iron shows no warmth at all after confirming power is present, the heating element has likely failed and the iron should be replaced.
7. Keep the tip tinned and wiped clean between uses going forward to prevent oxidation buildup.

Tools and parts

• Damp sponge or brass tip cleaner
• Fresh solder
• Replacement tip (if applicable)

When to call a pro

Not a professional repair; soldering irons are inexpensive enough to replace if the heating element itself fails.

Safety