Just tried soldering for the first time...what a disaster

[mmntech]

I've improved a little but those 15W irons like I have are as useful as tits on a bull. They don't get hot enough. I've never done electronics but the trick with wiring is to pre solder the tips then just melt them together. I still make a mess of it every now and then. It's definitely a learned skill.

 

[wirednuts]

I've improved a little but those 15W irons like I have are as useful as tits on a bull. They don't get hot enough. I've never done electronics but the trick with wiring is to pre solder the tips then just melt them together. I still make a mess of it every now and then. It's definitely a learned skill.

thats called tinning.

theres a few tricks to soldering, and its best to take a class or watch a good video about all the key points... but the real most important thing to remember is, any time you have trouble you need to add more flux.

 

[lupi]

Only thing worse than soldering is desoldering.

 

[wirednuts]

Only thing worse than soldering is desoldering.

if you have a $200 hot iron desolder machine, its easy as pie.

 

[Fritzo]

My tip is always apply a coat of solder to the wire first (called "tinning"), then put the wire in place and apply heat. Don't try to apply solder directly to the contact point.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

shhhh. there are TDR nuts out there that will freak out if they hear of anyone soldering ethernet cables. they would rather have you use mechanical splices that create more noise for some reason..

tdr nut here....

since you seem to know what a tdr is, you should know why it's important.

 

[Sa7aN]

A Weller SP40L (40W), with the solder that came in the kit.


To desolder do I just heat it back up and then like suck it off with a straw?

get some desolder wick/braid
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desoldering

solder flux helps when soldering small parts, actually it helps in a bunch of areas

see that bottom sharp soldering tip? yea use that one

if your going to be soldering more get something like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_NU2ruzyc4

 

[rockyct]

Soldering is one of those things were the best place to start is watch a 5 minute video and then just go and do it. Desolder every broken device you have and then get a solder kit or two and you'll get the hang of it in a hurry.

 

[Sa7aN]

A Weller SP40L (40W), with the solder that came in the kit.


To desolder do I just heat it back up and then like suck it off with a straw?

the right size/type solder for the job helps

get some desolder wick/braid
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desoldering

solder flux helps

see that bottom sharp soldering tip? yea use that one

if your going to be soldering more get something like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_NU2ruzyc4

 

[AlienCraft]

Practice, practice, practice.

Apply heat to both items.
Touch end of solder to point where objects meet.
When solder melts, apply enough to hold item, then remove iron.
Do not move while solder is still molten. Can cause a "cold" joint.
You'll get it. I learned to solder at age 4. I'm old* now.


*(AARP+)