Soldering is a method of making a solid mechanical and electrical connection between two conductors (aka wires). For the purposes of this article, the process involves taking an alloy with a relatively low melting point (solder) and using it as an adhesive, of sorts, to link two wires together.
Learning how to solder properly is an invaluable skill to have—and not just for making electric connections in automotive applications.
Once you learn how to solder, you’ll find yourself tinning speaker cables for your home stereo, fixing connectors on your washing machine, and repairing broken wires in your kids’ toys.
The good folks at Wiring Specialties put together this straightforward video with a good 101-style approach to soldering.
In the video, they use set of wire strippers, a soldering iron, solder and flux, heat shrink tubing, and a heat gun.
How to Solder Wire in 6 Steps
1. Strip protective sheathing off of the wire.
2. Apply flux to the end of the stripped wire.
3. Add solder to each wire end.
4. Join and heat the soldered ends.
5. Once cool, slip the heat-shrink tubing over the new joint.
6. Using heat, shrink the tubing to create a weathertight cover.
Soldering relies very much on technique, so once you’ve got the basics down from this 101, it’s time to practice, practice, practice.
Watch the video and get started.
Great info, thanks
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