Summary, troubleshooting and first aid

Summary of making the perfect solder joint

All parts must be clean and free from dirt and grease.
Try to secure the work firmly.
"Tin" the iron tip with a small amount of solder. Do this immediately, with new tips being used for the first time.
Clean the tip of the hot soldering iron on a damp sponge.
Many people then add a tiny amount of fresh solder to the cleansed tip.
Heat all parts of the joint with the iron for under a second or so.
Continue heating, then apply sufficient solder only, to form an adequate joint.
Remove and return the iron safely to its stand.
It only takes two or three seconds at most, to solder the average p.c.b. joint.
Do not move parts until the solder has cooled.

Troubleshooting Guide

Solder won't "take" - grease or dirt present - desolder and clean up the parts. Or, material may not be suitable for soldering with lead/tin solder.
Joint is crystalline or grainy-looking - has been moved before being allowed to cool, or joint was not heated adequately - too small an iron/ too large a joint.
Solder joint forms a "spike" - probably overheated, burning away the flux.

First Aid

If you are unlucky enough to receive burns which require treatment, here's what to do :-

Immediately cool the affected area with cold running water, ice, or even frozen peas, for ten minutes.
Remove any rings etc. before swelling starts.
Apply a sterile dressing to protect against infection.
Do not apply lotions, ointments etc., nor prick any blisters which form later.
Seek professional medical advice where necessary.

How to contact the author

Written by Alan Winstanley

Email to alan@epemag.demon.co.uk.
Click here for Alan Winstanley's Home Page.

Copyright Notice

Text © 1996/7 Wimborne Publishing Limited, Wimborne, Dorset, England. Everyday Practical Electronics Magazine has provided this document as a free web resource to help constructors, trainees and students. You are welcome to download it, print it and distribute it for personal or educational use. It may not be used in any commercial publication, mirrored on any commercial site nor may it be appended to or amended, or used or distributed for any commercial reason, without the prior permission of the Publishers.

Every care has been taken to ensure that the information and guidance given is accurate and reliable, but since conditions of use are beyond our control no legal liability or consequential claims will be accepted for any errors herein.

The British mains voltage supply is 230V a.c. and you should amend ratings for local conditions.

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© Wimborne Publishing Ltd., Wimborne, United Kingdom. Last updated 13th December 1997 E & OE
Soldering Iron photo courtesy of Antex (Electronics) Ltd.