Soldering Tips & Tricks

Hey, I'm not sure if this is the appropiate place for this tread. If not, please tell me if you move it mods. Thanks!

This thread is so that we can share tips and tricks that help you solder. I've been having problems getting a wire to stick to a point. The solder sticks it on one side by only like 1 of the threads, and it eventually falls off. Any tips to help this?

use flux to clean the metal you want the solder to stick to. if the metal is dirty ie..you touched it with your hands..the solder might not stick.

Ah, ok. With flux, do you just dip it in and solder, or do you dip it in, rub it on, rinse it off, then solder? I'm confused.

you wont beleive how many times ive been asked this.

solder tips :

soldering iron

get a decent make one antex (uk)

wattage = 15 to 25 watt (i recommend 15-18 watt)
if you have to use a higher rated one, remember more heat = less time in contact with any components, heat = damage (ive seen some right nastys in my time)

Tip = thinner the better 1mm-2mm preferred

Flux

This is an absolute must!
even with solder thats already got flux in it, get some extra.

you can get solder flux dispencers which are like marker pens.
i personally use Flux paste.

My preferred method is to get a little bit on a cotton bud and just wipe over any points that your going to solder to (even if they are already tinned.

then wipe your wires over with it as well, you dont need much.

soldering without flux is a sure fire way to come into problems, flux basically helps the solder to stick.

no flux = possible bad connection

also, dont use too much flux, as this can give you a "wet joint" where by theres that much flux it stops the solder getting a good contact.

make sure your flux is non corrosive as well, it will be clearly marked, if it is, its the wrong flux for the job

Static

can get satic build ups into the 1000`s of volts off a carrier bag.

carpets etc, etc all build up static.

always earth yourself before doing anything.
preferably get an earth matt or something , but if now touch a radiator or pipe or something to dishcharge it.

just cuz you dont see or feel a spark, dont mean its not there.

Patience

take your time

Practice

get an old pcb, pick some really small contacts and have a bash at getting some wires on there.

Wire

Get the right wire for the job. If its case modding, make sure your wire can handle the current.

Below is an example of not using flux. I got this in as a repair, although this soldering didnt cause the problem, as you can see, the solder hasnt "Taken" properly and so has just balled.

not good ! (thats an xbox LPC)

Thanks, thats really helpful. I've got a good soldering iron. 30 watt with a switch to make it 15 watt. I use 30 to get it up to heat quick, then put it down to 15 so that it doesnt get too hot.

yeah heats a main factor in fookups.
also edited the post add in static

preferably get an earth matt or something , but if now touch a radiator or pipe or something to dishcharge it.

Might want to tell them to make sure the radiator is off first.

yeah heats a main factor in fookups.

I was wondering if using one of thouse nea looking cold heat soldering irons would be too hot or too cold, I can't find where the wattage is for it. Also why does a higer wattage soldering iron lead to more "mess" ups. I'm kinda a noob at soldering delicate electronics

Originally posted by Quantumsource
I was wondering if using one of thouse nea looking cold heat soldering irons would be too hot or too cold, I can't find where the wattage is for it. Also why does a higer wattage soldering iron lead to more "mess" ups. I'm kinda a noob at soldering delicate electronics

The hotter a soldering iron is, the less amount of time you can keep the iron there, because other stuff(traces, componets, etc) can get damages. Anything over 25-30 watts is too hot, 15 watts is reccomended.

Those cold/heat things get too hot, so they can easily damage your dleicate electronics.

I hope I loose the ebay auction for the one I bid on. So your saying I should just use a 15w soldering iron, perhaps from like radio shack

Yeah, just get the 15watt Radioshack one, it's only $8. Also, you can retract a bid on ebay, just contact the seller.

yes mate, just get 15-20 watt iron.

take a little longer to heat up, but ideal for people not used to soldering, as it give you more time in contact.

but rules to follow

15-20 watt
practise
flux
good solder (60/40 mix)
patience
practice
try to be in as less contact as possible with anything your soldering, i dont mean rush or anything, or be quick and not make a good contact.

just take you time, and you`ll be fine.

seriously ive been doing repairs on xboxs for over 3 years now, and some of the nightmares ive been sent to repair have been outragious.

ive had people using cheapo £1 shop soldering irons to solder into there

If I get one of those 15 <--> 30W , and i have it set on 15W, how long potentially could It be left on a solder point without worry of damage.

I'd say 6 seconds. I have that soldering iron. Its cool cuz you can set it at 30w for about a minute and a half, switch to 15w, leave it for about another minute and it's up to heat, apposed to waiting 30 minutes with the old 15w iron I had before . Also, Cold heat = very no. It's like a soldering gun and uses an electrical heat which can damage a lot of electronics, diodes, ic's, etc. I is angry though cuz i need to wait a week for my flux to come into the local R$ .

Originally posted by ROFLMyWaffle
I is angry though cuz i need to wait a week for my flux to come into the local R$ .

I have 3 Radio Shacks within 10 miles of my house, so I can always find what I need