A quick tutorial giving the basics of soldering
A more detailed tutorial is available on our Soldering Tutorial page.
For those in a hurry, or who just want a quick refresher, here is a summary of how to make the perfect solder joint:
- Make sure you are using the right tools for the job.
- All parts must be clean and free from dirt and grease.
- Try to secure the work firmly.
- "Tin" the iron tip with a small amount of solder. Do this immediately, with new tips being used for the first time.
- Clean the tip of the hot soldering iron on a damp sponge. Many people then add a tiny amount of fresh solder to the cleansed tip.
- Heat all parts of the joint with the iron for under a second or so.
- Continue heating, and then apply just enough solder to form an adequate joint and no more.
- Remove the soldering iron and return it safely to its stand.
- It only takes two or three seconds at most to solder the average joint.
- Do not move parts until the solder has cooled.
You might also care to visit our other soldering information pages. The Soldering home page provides links to other resources including a detailed Soldering Tutorial, a Soldering Tools information page, a Soldering Troubleshooter, and even an article on the effects of forthcoming Soldering Regulations.
If you are seeking further information on Soldering but cannot find it here, please email info@leadsdirect.biz and we will try to both answer your question and make sure that the information is made available through these pages for future reference.