Soldering tip shapes: which tip for which joint?
The shape of the tip decides how well heat flows into the joint. Conical tips are fine for rework, chisel tips transfer the most heat, and knife and hoof tips suit drag soldering. The basic rule: get as much contact area on the pad as you can without touching neighbours.
View soldering tipsWhy does the shape decide heat transfer?
A tip transfers heat through the contact area between tip and joint. The larger that area, the more heat flows into pad and component per second, so the joint heats up faster. That is why chisel and hoof tips solder more quickly than fine conical tips. The shape should match the size of the joint.
Which soldering tip shapes are there?
The common shapes are conical (B), chisel (D), bevel (C), knife (K) and hoof. Each has a typical use - from fine rework to dragging whole rows of pins. The table below maps each shape to its job.
| Shape | Code | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Conical / pencil | B | fine points, single pins, rework and touch-up |
| Chisel | D | best heat transfer, general soldering, THT and wires |
| Bevel / cut conical | C | round pads and fillets, dragging small rows |
| Knife | K | drag soldering, connectors, closely spaced rows |
| Hoof / bevel with well | BC / BCM | SMD drag soldering, fine-pitch ICs, holding solder |
How do I pick the right tip for the joint?
Start from the joint: small single points with a conical tip, larger pads and wires with a chisel, whole rows of pins with a knife or hoof tip. Also remember that cartridges and tips are station-specific - a tip only fits the iron or cartridge family it is made for.
Chisel tip as the all-rounder: plenty of contact area, transfers heat fast to pads and wires.
ViewThe hoof tip holds a bead of solder and drags it across fine-pitch rows - clean and quick.
ViewSee also Soldering tip care for long tip life and Choosing a soldering station for the matching tip family.
Frequently asked questions
Which soldering tip transfers the most heat?
Chisel and hoof tips transfer the most heat because they form a large contact area with the joint. Fine conical tips have little area and heat the joint more slowly.
Which tip is best for drag soldering rows of pins?
Knife (K) and hoof tips are best for drag soldering. They hold a bead of solder and drag it across several pins - ideal for connectors and fine-pitch ICs.
Does every tip fit every soldering station?
No. Tips and cartridges are station-specific and only compatible with the intended iron or cartridge family. Check the correct series for your station before buying.
Soldering tips in every shape for your station
Conical, chisel, knife and hoof - matched to your iron and your joint.
Reviewed
Content reviewed by soldering specialists.
Matching tips
Tip families for common stations in stock.
Practical
Neutral, actionable recommendations.
Expert advice
Personal advice on shapes and series.