How to solder electrical connections
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Learning to solder is a skill well worth the effort to master. It doesn't require a lot of equipment, supplies or technique, but there are a few things to be aware of. The following text will give some tips and info on soldering electrical wire and components. | Learning to solder is a skill well worth the effort to master. It doesn't require a lot of equipment, supplies or technique, but there are a few things to be aware of. The following text will give some tips and info on soldering electrical wire and components. | ||
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===Soldering guns, irons, and torches=== | ===Soldering guns, irons, and torches=== | ||
| − | A temperature controlled soldering station is good to have for bench work, but they can be bulky for use under a dashboard, for example. A simple, high output soldering iron can be used, or a good quality soldering gun is also a good choice for working in cramped quarters. The soldering gun is designed to rapidly heat up when activated, then to cool off so it won't be a hazard to the used while in a cramped area. Many good guns have a light that's activated w/the trigger that also heats the tip. These guns have a variety of tips shapes and sizes available, as do most good soldering irons. Irons having a 1/4" tip diameter is a good choice. A chisel-shaped tip is a good choice for most electrical work, about 1/8" to 3/16" wide. Weller is a well-known brand for soldering appliances. Hexacon is another quality tool line for soldering equipment. | + | [[File:Weller butane soldering iron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Butane soldering iron]]A temperature controlled soldering station is good to have for bench work, but they can be bulky for use under a dashboard, for example. A simple, high output soldering iron can be used, or a good quality soldering gun is also a good choice for working in cramped quarters. The soldering gun is designed to rapidly heat up when activated, then to cool off so it won't be a hazard to the used while in a cramped area. Many good guns have a light that's activated w/the trigger that also heats the tip. These guns have a variety of tips shapes and sizes available, as do most good soldering irons. Irons having a 1/4" tip diameter is a good choice. A chisel-shaped tip is a good choice for most electrical work, about 1/8" to 3/16" wide. Weller is a well-known brand for soldering appliances. Hexacon is another quality tool line for soldering equipment. |
For work where there is no electricity to use an electric soldering gun or iron, you can use a butane torch. There are models available that heat ta tip with the flame rather than applying an open flame to the solder joint. | For work where there is no electricity to use an electric soldering gun or iron, you can use a butane torch. There are models available that heat ta tip with the flame rather than applying an open flame to the solder joint. | ||
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* A quality tie wrap gun, various tie wraps. | * A quality tie wrap gun, various tie wraps. | ||
* A selection of various terminals and connectors in the 3 popular sizes. | * A selection of various terminals and connectors in the 3 popular sizes. | ||
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<gallery perrow=3 widths=200px caption="Tools/Supplies"> | <gallery perrow=3 widths=200px caption="Tools/Supplies"> | ||
File:SOLDERING EQUIPMENT 001.jpg|Selection of soldering equipment | File:SOLDERING EQUIPMENT 001.jpg|Selection of soldering equipment | ||
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File:Velleman solder tip cleaner.jpg| Soldering tip cleaner | File:Velleman solder tip cleaner.jpg| Soldering tip cleaner | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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==Some helpful tips== | ==Some helpful tips== | ||
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===Important:=== | ===Important:=== | ||
Only use rosin flux when doing electrical work. They even make a rosin core solder especially for electrical work. Other flux can lead to corrosion. Acid fluxes are best used on non-electrical work like radiators, etc. | Only use rosin flux when doing electrical work. They even make a rosin core solder especially for electrical work. Other flux can lead to corrosion. Acid fluxes are best used on non-electrical work like radiators, etc. | ||
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