Sometimes I get the same questions so here some answers that might serve as a “reference” and give you ideas on your soldering.
Solder Tools:
Soldering Iron
If you don’t have a professional soldering iron and you just want to get the job done my recommendation is about a 40 WATT (or greater) PENCIL style iron (never a gun). Use the medium conical tip. Not the slotted one, a fat one, or the super skinny one. Then go to about 700 degrees because, personally, I like to “get in and get out” when soldering. Here’s a link to an ace hardware example (this might change over time) ” Weller Corded Soldering Iron Kit 40 W 1 pk” – https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/welding-and-soldering-tools/soldering-guns-and-irons/2392017
Solder
I recommend 0.031 Rosin Core Solder. It comes in many sized rolls. Do not get large diameter solder or any outside resin, the solder has it already.
General Soldering Advice
You should use an iron hot enough to melt quickly and you should have a ‘get in and get out” attitude with the soldering iron when soldering. Here’s a few tips:
- Use 60/40 Rosin core
- User 0.031 size (not fat solder), no extra resin it’s in the solder already.
- Have a fan or air cleaner running by your work area!!
- Pre-tin Wires (Apply a little solder before soldering) or if on a Lug, Wrap, Touch Solder, then apply main solder
- Don’t hold the iron there TOO long especially on Pots.
- Solder suckers work MUCH better then solder flux to remove solder
- Shiny is good
- Don’t move wire while solder is cooling
- Generally hold the iron on side of your target and DRAW the solder toward it.
This video is not done by me but it has some good advice in it and if you are new to soldering you should watch it: Soldering Video on You Tube