Abstract: Two cleaning bodies which rotate towards and in contact with each other, are utilized for quickly mechanically cleaning soldering iron bits or tips and the soldering iron bit or tip is inserted between the cleaning bodies. The rotary movement of the cleaning bodies originates via a drive or gear from a drive motor. A holder is mechanically connected with an actuating member of a switch for operating the drive motor. In the unloaded position of the holder, i.e. when the soldering iron is removed from the holder, the drive motor is switched-on. When the soldering iron bit or tip of the soldering iron is placed into the holder, the holder is loaded and now tilts backwards, causing the actuating member to actuate the switch for operating the drive motor. Thus, the current to the drive motor is turned off and the apparatus is placed out of service.

Abstract: For cleaning hot soldering iron bits which are contaminated or soiled by tin oxides and soldering residues a flat felt or sponge has often been heretofore used. This cleaning technique is impractical, incomplete and frequently causes spatters of soldering tin or pewter at the place of work. This is unacceptable, especially when precision soldering electronic devices. This problem is solved by using an apparatus driven by an electric motor. The hot soldering iron bit or tip is momentarily placed between two cleaning bodies which rotate towards each other. These two rotating cleaning bodies thus enclose the soldering iron bit and protectively clean the same. The cleaning bodies are mounted in a removable holder or cage provided with a tin collection container or receptacle. For enhancing the self-cleaning action of the two cleaning bodies the spacing between the axes or shafts of the two cleaning bodies is smaller than the mean diameter of both cleaning bodies.