Most iron tips today are a copper core surrounded by iron, hence the term ‘iron clad’ that is then nickel or chrome plated. Because solder won’t stick to nickel or chrome the plating on the chisel end of the tip, (where you melt the solder) is removed to expose the iron cladding. Solder does stick to iron. To keep the tip from rusting you must keep it coated with a layer of tin, hence the term tinning. This is why solders used in stained glass are a mixture of tin and other metals (generally lead).

You will extend the life and improve the performance of your soldering iron and tips by following a few simple guidelines