Solder Techniques

This month, I will cover basic solder techniques including de-soldering and a preparatory measure often called “tinning.” This will give you a good foundation to then move on to basic cable repair, which we will cover in the next article.



Once your soldering iron is plugged in and warmed up, apply some solder to the tip. Have a moist sponge or paper towel ready for cleaning. You will want to wipe the tip off from time to time and apply some fresh solder. This will extend the life of the tip. To prepare a surface for solder (such as a wire and a plug), apply the iron first and then the solder. The iron should heat up the area within moments and the solder will melt onto the surface. This is the process often referred to as “tinning.” Time will vary depending on the surface area of the object. A wire, for instance, should take only a few seconds, as any longer will begin to melt the insulation surrounding the wire. Now, after tinning, you will be able to solder the 2 surfaces together without any additional solder. The solder you have previously applied should be enough to form a strong bond.

Remember to avoid breathing in fumes released from the solder as they contain lead and are hazardous. Having some ventilation or a small fan will help.

A de-soldering braid or wick and a de-soldering pump are two different tools you can use to remove solder. A de-soldering pump works well for applications where you need to remove solder from larger or more awkward areas, such as circuit boards. A de-soldering braid, which we’ll examine here, tends to do a more thorough job leaving a cleaner surface to work with. Start by placing the braid between the solder and the iron. Again, within moments — depending on the surface-the heat will liquefy the solder and the braid will absorb it like a sponge. Most often, leaving the braid and iron in one spot will work well enough to draw most of the solder off of the surface.

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