Makes Old Soldering Iron Tips Like New. Sal Ammoniac, also called a tinning block, quickly cleans any carbon build-up that collects on the tip of a soldering iron. Simply rub the tip of a hot iron against the block and in seconds, the tip is clean, bright and hot. This block lasts a long time. For best results and longer lasting soldering iron tips, use the tinning block occasionally to re-tin the surface of your tip.