How to Solder, tips and tricks

Here are some links with information on soldering iron tip care.

[neoc]

Don't ever "shake off extra solder", use a brass solder tip cleaner (looks like a brass brillo pad). Flicking off excess 700 degree liquid metal is never a good idea.

[builtlast]

who the fuck shakes solder off there iron like that? YOU SHOULD NOT TEACH PEOPLE TO DO THAT SHIT

[ChaplainDaveSparks]

I was taught to make a good MECHANICAL connection first before applying solder to make a good ELECTRICAL connection.

[RealationGames]

Mostly false tutorial. You don't solder wires like that. The tin itself only barely hold stuff together. Wrap those wires in hooks(there's 200 page NASA article about this) around each other so that you can pull them while they stay together and have most contact are as possible. Same goes with that potentiometer. Any joint that is only held by solder is going to break in time.
Also, if that is not possible(e.g. wire to flat PCB plane) you cannot possibly hold them steady enough. It will always create poor solder structure. You got that helping hand there, just put both components to each of those clamps, have them rest on each other without any force, and then tin them.

[habiks]

Why would you make a tutorial if you don't even know the basics? Very bad overall soldering job. The first sample was not cold joint. Cold joint is when the solder doesn't bond with copper.. + that's not how you solder 2 wires properly.. any vibration would break them apart. Your explanation at end why solder isn't bonding is just ridicolous - ever heard of oxidation and how to use flux?? I wouldn't recomend anyone watching this.. 

[acheitching]

That's the worse soldering I've ever seen

[cbremer]

never been a fan of just sticking wires together. Depending on the size of the wire I have a few different ways I like to twist or braid them together. Then solder them. Especially in thinks like cars an boats. More secure in my opinion. That mechanical connection will also make sure you get the best electrical connection. Then the solder and tape/shrink will reinforce the physical connection.

[TheFrankonia]

The fan is blowing in your direction... fail!

[iRepairElectronics]

the first part of him showing to connect 2 wire ends together by soldering the straight pieces end to end is the worst thing you can do for a high current connection. this connection will simply break off after time.  you much twist both ends together BRFORE soldering or you could interweave the ends together, uning lots of flux as well, and then soldering. I can only assume from what ive seen, and the size of that iron, in this video that he is not doing any fine detailed work. Good to have an adjustable temperature. or regulated tips.

[jakeabel]

The second time when the solder builds up he said "And if junk starts builing up. You see some bubbles" Just drop the iron. That was funny.

[Penfold]

You should apply a little solder to the soldering tip to create a "heat bridge" to help with heating up the wire so you can get the wire you are trying to tin come up to temp quicker.  This will prevent a lot of the melting insulation away.  Also you could increase the temp on your solder station to help with the transfer of heat to the wire.

[gorp]

So if my soldering iron tip gets bubbles I should drop it on the floor? Wouldn't swinging it by the cord and smacking it against the wall be more efficiant?

[khudayer]

Very nice video. helped a lot! but wouldn't you recommend turning the pc fan to "suck" the air away and not blowing it towards your body?

[lacewoodstrat]

Where did you learn how to solder?  The fan is a really bad idea, cold air blown onto the hot solder will cause bubbles to form at joint ensuring a bad job. At the beginning, holding the two wires and trying to solder them together is  recipe for a disaster down the road.  And you don't flip hot solder off the iron, use a damp sponge or the brass cleaning pad.  This should be titled, "How not to solder".

[MrFryfish]

..that fan was blowing towards you? i think that should EXTRACT the smoke not cooling down the tip... 

[terrye]

I am retired Electronic Engineer.  I taught NASA soldering techniques for the USMC.  what you are teaching is not a good technique.  if you would like to know the actual correct way of soldering you can write NASA or the US government printing office and ask for the "NASA soldering handbook".  I think you need to get a little more education before you try teaching something that you aren't doing a very good job at teaching.  when soldering an eye or a turret the wire should be mounted to or through the eye or turret flux should be applied to the connection then the connection should be heated then apply the solder to the connection.  you must be able to see good definition of the connection, not just a lump of solder.  I believe you are at least trying which is more than most people are doing.  keep it up but get some education on the subject.  I at least applaud your effort. 
Good Luck and best wishes,

[dzamija]

2:07 DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO THE HAND! A couple seconds later he burns himself. Goddamn it man. xD Cool vid though, really great tip about heating up the wire itself and not just the solder.

[MindFullCheeseburger]

extra tips on soldering from experience: Wear eye protection if you dont have a magnifying glass and have to look real close at the components solder almost hit my eye when it just flinged off. point the fan away from your face because then your just blowing all the smoke to your nose... dont fling solder if it lands on your clothes it will melt them instead buy a solder tip cleaner either brass or stainless steel. DO NOT DROP THE IRON thats the most important thing ever. when soldering the two wires together leave a bit of room between the plastic casing and the wire just solder most of the tip and leave room. Use the right tip for the job the more mass the object has the bigger the tip you need. Desoldering pumps are good for beginners because you will probably add too much solder when first starting, Flux(use water based on electronics not acid one)  is used to attract solder and to clean the parts so solder can get "absorbed" quicker.

[presidentdwayneelizondomou]

Soldering wires together.... Hits self with his "You might get extra on there so just shake it off"   2 1/2mins in, had to stop.  inexperienced DIY guy.  I expect the rest of the video to be riddled with BAD ADVICE....

[TheFloorBoys]

Easily one of the best vids I've seen on the topic!!! I actually think I have it now. The tinning of both components seems to be one of the main steps that can make or break the whole deal. Thanks Bro! Much appreciated.