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.
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.