How to Clean 3D Printer Nozzle by Burning Off the Plastic

I'd heard of unclogging 3D printer nozzles by burning off the plastic but have never seen it done. Usually its easier to just use a new nozzle if they are cheap. Anyway, curiosity got the better of me so I tried it, and found that its very effective. All the plastic is burnt off and there is little or no any residue left.

Here's a short video of the process

• Clogged nozzle
• 12 inches (30cm) of wire
• Blow torch. I used a butane cooking blow torch. 
• Wooden tooth pick

Bend the middle of the wire around the thread of the nozzle.

If its a reasonably tight fit, this can be reused by screwing nozzles in and out of the holder.

This holder should be long enough to keep fingers away from the heat.

SAFETY: Safety is paramount when working with naked flames. Use appropriate safety gear, in a well ventilated area.

Light up your blow torch and slowly apply heat. Any plastic will bubble and burn off quite quickly. You may get some plastic drips so do this over a metal tray or non flammable surface.

Stop heating once there are no more yellow flames. You should be able to see light through the nozzle hole at this point.

Don't overheat the nozzle. There's no need to get it red hot.

Allow the nozzle to cool off for a few minutes.

Use a wooden toothpick to scrape inside the nozzle. I've found there's usually very little or no residue left, but its still worth checking to be sure.

Job done!