Soldering Basics and Important Notes

Soldering Basics and Important Notes

A good soldering iron heats up quickly, and at the right temperature – read the user manual for temperature specifications and settings.
Flux – What is that stuff? Metals will oxidize rapidly at soldering temperatures, and since solder won’t stick to oxidized metals, flux helps remove oxidation from metals – hence allowing the solder to stick properly.
Always keep the “tip” of the iron clean (using a wet or brass type sponge).
Use a Small Fan or a Solder Fume Extractor to help keep the “Fumes” away from your face so you don’t inhale the Fumes! Solder contains lead, and it’s not healthy to inhale.
Always use safety glasses anytime that you are soldering – No Exceptions! This is to keep any solder from getting in your eyes or burning your face. Trust me, solder flick happens on a regular basis.
Butane Soldering Irons are very useful when you need to repair / solder a connector out in the field. This type of Soldering Iron heats up very quickly, and can help get a system back up and running fast!

Dos and Don’ts of Soldering in the Audio World

Don’t – Leave the Soldering Iron tip on the Solder / Wire / Connector Leads too long: The usual result from leaving the tip of the soldering iron on the solder / wire too long is that the wire jackets will start to melt, exposing bare wires (the wires can melt together and short out). Experience comes with practice, and experience will assist technicians with understanding how long to heat up the solder / wires. Always check the cable after soldering for any signs of melted wires.

Do – Clean the Tip often: A clean soldering iron tip ensures that the heat transferred from the tip will stay at the desired temperature. If you don’t consistently clean the soldering tip this can affect its ability to transfer heat. Burnt residue from oxides and flux can also keep the solder from sticking to the soldering tip properly. A clean tip can help to assure a quality soldering connection.

Do – Use the Proper Solder: Lead solder has always worked best for soldering audio connections. In the old days, solder was “lead heavy” but that has changed due to the “lead vapors” that were being emitted into the environment. 60/40 Blend is made of 60% Tin, and 40% Lead with a melting point of 183C, and 63/37 Blend is made of 63% Tin, and 37% Lead and has a higher melting point of 217C. Both are common for soldering audio connectors, and are considered “Lead Free” types of Solder. Solder with a diameter of .031 is a common size for soldering audio connectors / electronics.

Don’t ever use “Acid Core” Solder as this type of solder is only intended for “plumbing” use!

Don’t – Flick Solder off the Soldering Tip: One of the more dangerous things experienced technicians do is try to “flick” solder off the tip. Heated solder is very hot and in liquid form. If you “flick” solder, expect it to go wherever it wants. On several occasions, I’ve witnessed technicians getting burnt from not cleaning the tip and attempting to “flick” the solder off. One technician got a severe burn just under his safety glasses. It’s not worth it; follow the protocol and clean the soldering tip on a Brass or Wet Sponge – Don’t Flick!