Thread: How To: Make Strong Solder Joints

I often find people making terrible solder connections. I have prepared a short guide on what I consider proper technique. My qualification: I am getting my Ph.D in Electrical Engineering. So you should probably listen to what I have to say.

First step: Don't be affraid to remove too much insulation. Removing a healthy amount makes life easier.

Secondly, after you have removed the insulation fold the bare copper 180 deg in the middle. Repeat this step with the second wire.



Thirdly, hook the wires together like this:



Fourth Step: Twist the wires!



At this point you should be able to pull the wires with some decent force and they should stay together. This will ensure a STRONG connection.

Step Five: Solder wires. I like to grasp the wire with my pinkey and pull it snug, while I do this, I can then feed solder with my thumb, index and middle finger much like you hold a pencil. I have found this the easiest way to solder with only two hands. With my right hand I hold the soldering iron.





When you apply solder, you want to prime the tip[place some solder on the tip, this will aid in heat transfer to your wires]

You DO NOT want to melt the solder on the iron and drop it onto the wire. This burns up the rosin that is used to clean the copper. You want to place the iron on the wire and let the solder melt into the wire.

Finally use heat-shrink. Electrical tape is for lazy asses.

I was thinking about doing the very same thing last month.
I do things a bit differently.
Maybe I'll make a competing How To. =]

I too do things a bit differently.

Then again, I actually attended a soldering class for two weeks during AIT in the Army

If you guys are talking about the western union splice, I've been there and done that. This technique is faster for me because I can provide tension on the wires so I can really press the iron into the copper. Its also a pretty solid connection without solder.

That's great information. I never even thought of doing it this way. I'll be sure to solder this way from now on.

In all honesty, I thought this was the only way to solder. That's how I learned to do it back when I was in middle school. I am curious to see other ways of soldering now.

Car stereo/alarm background. then wired for SAFE boats for a lil while.. was taught NASA spec soldering.. talk about a p.i.t.a (this is so no possibility of a frayed end sticking out)

Pics don't show anymore.

Dude, I had that class. I bet all you did was make solder crosses and stick figures!

Bump from the grave there Brent. I've been doing hours and hours of soldering the last couple weeks. I took pics for a How To both on soldering and crimping. I'll post them up soon. Frankly Dan's method in this thread is pretty bad IMO, and I'm glad the pics don't show anymore. =P
One of the main reasons Dan likes this method is so he can push down hard on the wire with the iron. That's not how I solder at all. I use zero pressure.