If solder does not flow onto the tip

If solder is not wet on the tip surface, the tip is oxidized.

*Example of an oxidized tip that has blackened due to oxidization

Case 1. If the tip oxidizes.

Point 1:	Use cleaning wire (HAKKO 599B) or fine sandpaper to remove only the surface oxide. Apply new solder to the tip at 250ºC.
Point 2:	Remove oxide and recover the tip surface with chemical paste ( HAKKO FS-100 ) * After using the FS-100 paste, clean the tip according to the following procedure. * Do not use the chemical paste for purposes other than restoring of the soldering tip. How to remove oxide with HAKKO FS-100: 1. Dip the tip into the chemical paste for 2-3 seconds. (Use a temperature setting of around 350ºC.) 2. Clean off FS-100 paste from tip surface with a cleaning sponge or cleaning wires. 3. Check if the tip surface gets wet or not. 4. Repeat the process twice or more until the tip surface gets wet. 5. Re-tinning is now completed. * To prevent oxidation, supply efficient solder to the tip when soldering work is completed.
Point 3:	The removal process will be more effective if tip polisher (HAKKO FT-700) is also used.
Point 4:	If solder is not wet to tip surface after removing the oxidation, replace the tip with a new one. See individual product webpage for part numbers of soldering tips. Lineup of Soldering iron

Case 2. How to prevent tip oxidization.

Point 5:	Always keep the end of the tip coated with solder so as not to expose it to the air. After finishing work: Wipe the tip clean with a cleaning sponge. Apply new solder to the end of the tip
Point 6:	Use HAKKO 599B (cleaning wire). Cleanse the tip with a wet sponge Cleanse the tip with dry cleaning wire Apply fresh solder to the end of the tip as shown. Apply solder to the tip while the power is on.
Point 7:	Turn the power off when not using the iron.
Point 8:	Use soldering iron at lower set temperature.(Do not raise the temperature unnecessarily.)