[Elecraft] OT: Demagnetize Soldering Tip?

[G3VVT at aol.com]

Hi Martin,
 
The Weller TCP soldering iron uses a magnetically operated switch in the  
centre of the soldering iron. The soldering iron tip has a cap on the inner edge  
of specific magnetic attraction properties that is neutralised by what I  
believe is called the "Curie point effect" when this cap reaches a critical  
temperature. This releases the switch actuator and cutting off the 24V feed  to 
the soldering iron heater.
 
You may have to replace the TCP switch assembly, though it would  seem that a 
permanently magnetised tip may be the cause. Try another  soldering iron tip 
first as the actuator switch assembly is rather more  difficult to replace. If 
the tip is the cause it may be possible to demagnetise  it with a TV picture 
tube degaussing wand.
 
A message to all to keep the TCP iron away from speaker magnets,  
particularly the Hi-Fi kind.
 
Bob, G3VVT