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Can I use a steel sponge as a soldering sponge? (SOLVED -> better not) (lemmy.world)
submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de
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UPDATE: the commenters' verdict is unanimous: this is not a good idea, because it will damage the iron tip of the soldering iron. Thanks everyone!

These sort of sponges are sold for cleaning the tip of soldering irons:

Copper colored solder sponge

Now, maybe it's an odd question -- but is there any reason not to use one of these kitchen scrubby things instead?

Stainless steel kitchen sponge

They are way easier to get, plus they are cheaper.

I'm wondering mainly:

  • can you think of a reason why it could be dangerous to use the stainless steel one? (like, poisonous fumes or something)
  • would it hurt the soldering iron tip?

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[–] 14 points 10 months ago

It's not good for the iron tip. You should use a brass sponge.

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    [–] 13 points 10 months ago* (7 children)

    it is not dangerous in any way since it is just metal and metal oxides that do not mobilize at the temps you use for soldering. it is not recommended because the protective layer on most modern soldering irons is made from iron (not steel) and iron is softer than steel.

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  • [–] [S] 14 points 10 months ago (3 children)

    soldering iron is made from iron, got it..

    So, all I need to do is find a soldering steel 🤔

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  • [–] 3 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (2 children)

    Are you certain? I seem to recall that steel wool burns. I’m not sure how different the pictured scrubber is from steel wool pads.

    https://www.livescience.com/60764-watch-steel-wool-burn.html

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    • [–] 9 points 10 months ago

    It will destroy the soldering iron tip's plating. This will quickly result in it being unusable for soldering.

    It's not dangerous. It won't emit any toxic fumes as long as it's just a stainless steel scrubber & not one pre-impregnated with soap like a brillo pad. But since it'll destroy the iron's tip it'll quickly be more expensive than brass wool.

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