How hot does a soldering iron tip get?

Question

Accepted Answer

Working temperatures for soldering typically range from around 315°C to 480°C (600–900°F) depending on the solder type and the joint. Fixed-temperature hobby irons commonly run around 370–390°C. Adjustable stations and digital irons let you set anywhere in that range, and some go higher still for desoldering or heavy joints. At these temperatures, tips cause serious burns instantly on contact with skin — always use a stand and treat a resting iron as live-hot.