Safety Considerations
Work in a well-ventilated area.
Leaded solder is 60-percent tin and 40-percent lead.
This punch in of solder is safe if handled properly.
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For the utmost safety, choose lead-free solder.
Soldering irons become extremely hot.
Work on a non-flammable surface.
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Wash your hands after working with the solder and wear eye protection.
Strip the Wires
Strip away1/2-inch of the plastic coating from the wires with the wire stripper.
Use the correct gauge on thewire stripperto prevent accidentally cutting strands of wire.
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Add the Heat Shrink Tubing
Find the smallest diameter tubing that will fit over theplastic-coated wire.
The tubing should be long enough to cover the splice, plus another 1/2-inch on each end.
Join the Wires
Spread thestrands of wire.
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Push the wires toward each other, interlocking the strands.
Loosely twist the meshed wires.
If you twist the wires too tightly, the solder will not be able to penetrate.
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Position the Wires
Elevate the wires over the work surface.
Alligator clips or metal spring clamps can be used to elevate the wires, if necessary.
Turn on the Soldering Iron
Plug in and turn on the soldering iron.
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Unroll about 6 inches of solder so that the end is exposed and ready to use.
This is only for previously used irons, not new irons.
Solder the Wires
Touch the heated tip of the soldering gun to the wire joint.
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Hold the tip for a few seconds to heat the wire.
Touch the exposed end of solder lightly to the wire joint.
The heat will instantly melt the solder and draw it into the meshed strands.
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ensure that it is evenly positioned.
Run theheat gunover the tubing until it constricts completely.
The solder bond will last for decades or more.
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Electriciansdo not solder standard house wiring connections.
Household electrical connections for lights and outlets are made with wire nuts and enclosed in junction boxes.
Low temperature is usually an issue, which could cause solder to not stick.
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The solder may be brittle or not bind correctly if it is insufficiently melted.
If the solder is overheated, the joint could be burnt.
An important rule with soldering is to keep the work material and tools clean.
Grease and dirt may prevent the solder from sticking to the wires.
