I've lost the tip to my 30w soldering iron. Can I safely use a steel nail or bolt (or something like that) temporarily without risking damage to the iron or starting a fire?

What i need to do is basic block soldering with no electronics involved. Anybody know about this? Thanks...

 

i wouldn't do it. just go to radio shack or something and grab a tip

 

what would hold the nail in..?..

 

I saw a soldering Iron at a store called BIG Lots for like $3 today. Ratty Old Shack has them for like $5. Why would you wanna MacGuyver rig it?

 

First of all if you do decide to use the nail, you'll be there all night waiting for the nail to get hot enough fo melt the solder. The soldering tip is made of copper so therefore the nail WILL NOT work cos it is steel.

 

Try it... it may work temporarily.

 

I seriously doubt if it'll work. But you won't know until you try it.

 

thanks for the advice...I borrowed a friend's and will swing by radio shack one of these days...

this soldering iron is old BUT it's in xlnt shape and made in japan. How often do you see a JDM soldering iron?