Solder Tips And Tricks

Improve your solder skills

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there's always room for improvement, especially when it comes to something like learning how to solder. Remember as you learn to solder that this is a skill that is improved with time and practice.

Soldering 101

No solder tips or tricks will help you develop your skills unless you have the fundamentals down.

Equipment needed to solder

Quality solder and a soldering iron are a must if you are serious about learning how to solder. Determining the right solder and soldering iron depends greatly on the project. For example, it's best to use a rosin core solder instead of an acid core solder for electronics.

Safety

Take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety as you learn how to solder. It's best to wear eye protection and work in a well-ventilated area. As you solder keep your head tilted to the side to avoid breathing in the smoke that is created.

Become a pro with these solder tips and tricks

When combined with the fundamentals the following solder tips and tricks can greatly improve your solder skills.

Before you begin to solder make sure the iron has had time to warm up. You'll know it's ready if you can melt a small amount of solder on the tip.

As you solder use a damp sponge to frequently clean the iron tip. By keeping the iron clean you improve heat conduction, which enables you to solder better joints.

Use heatsinks when working with transistors and other sensitive components. If you don't want to add this to your already growing collection of solder tools, try using a pair of pliers.

It's always wise to double-check joints regardless of whether you are a veteran or are just learning to solder. Try using an ohm meter to do this. You may need to solder the joint again if it is any more than a few tenths of an ohm.

Always apply the solder to the joint not the iron.

Don't forget the simple stuff

Always wash your hands after coming in contact with solder and when you are done working.

Be careful not to touch the iron as you solder.

It's important to develop good habits as you learn to solder. For example, when you are done using the soldering iron make it a habit to return it to its stand.

Use proper form as you solder, which means holding the iron like a pen.

More information on solder & flux