How to Solder Wires

Soldering electronics may sound intimidating, but it’s not as difficult as you may think.

Solder comes in many sizes and compositions depending on the application. For electrical purposes, electrical lead free solder or electrical lead solder would be appropriate; the choice comes down to personal preference.

Lead free solder is safer to work with and more environmentally friendly, but has a higher melting point so will take longer to heat up. Lead solder features a lower melting point, so it’s quicker to use and less challenging to work than lead free solder. However, it’s toxic and bad for the environment.

Many solders contain a rosin core, which aids in cleaning the wires you’re soldering and improves the integrity of the solder.

To create a strong solder connection, you need to prevent oxidation from occurring. Oxidation can negatively impact the conductivity and cause the solder joint to fail. To avoid this, use a rosin flux on the wire strands you solder together. Keep the tip of your soldering gun clean by wiping it with a damp sponge before and after every use. Applying a soldering tip tinner ensures it’s clean from impurities.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind before you begin to solder:

• Always wear eye protection;
• Work in a well-ventilated space;
• Don’t wear loose clothing;
• Tie back long hair;
• Wear a long-sleeve cotton shirt;
• Wear close-toed shoes;
• Clear the area of anything flammable and use a nonflammable surface;
• Don’t lean directly over the solder as you work, to avoid breathing in fumes;
• Unplug your soldering gun when not in use.

Now we got the basics covered, let’s start soldering some wires!