this post was submitted on 28 Nov 2025
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Can I use a steel sponge as a soldering sponge? (SOLVED -> better not) (lemmy.world)
submitted 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) by myotheraccount@lemmy.world 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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[โ€“] myotheraccount@lemmy.world 13 points 6 days ago (2 children)

soldering iron is made from iron, got it..

So, all I need to do is find a soldering steel ๐Ÿค”

[โ€“] user134450@feddit.org 4 points 6 days ago (1 children)

here is a schematic diagram with the structure: https://www.thermaltronics.com/datasheet/M8SB276#item38791

the core of soldering irons has been copper for a long time.

[โ€“] myotheraccount@lemmy.world 1 points 6 days ago

Thanks, that's very helpful

[โ€“] Truscape@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 6 days ago

"Soldering steel: for when you want to weld something really, really small."