How to achieve optimal soldering results from your soldering iron

In short, soldering is a process that joins two types of metals together. It’s an age-old practice that provides a huge number of practical uses. Despite soldering being around for so long, many practitioners aren’t achieving optimal soldering results. This guide will explain how to solder properly so you can increase the quality of your work. 

Plan and prepare before you start soldering

Before you put metal to metal, you need to make sure that you’ve got everything you need and it’s ready to go. Trust us, you don’t want to be scrambling around trying to find more solder wire when you’re halfway through joining two components.

If you’re a beginner, you might not be entirely sure how much solder you’ll need. Don’t worry if you get things wrong on your first go. The beauty of soldering is that you can desolder and try again. Desoldering is the process of reheating solder and removing it by using either desoldering braid, solder wick or a solder sucker.

Clean your work surface 

A pristine, dust-free working environment is essential if you want to get the best out of your soldering iron. Trying to join components that are covered in excess material will affect the quality of your work and could even damage your soldering iron tip. So firstly clean your work area with pre-saturated wipes, why not try out our IPA wipes.

Be sure to clean components. We'd recommend using Chemtronics ‘The Mighty Pen’ which is perfect for universal cleaning and equipment refurbishment. Also if necessary you can use compressed air to make sure there’s no further residue, we have a range of compressed air products so feel free to contact us and we can recommend the product most suitable for your requirements. If you’re on the path to obtain optimal soldering results, you don’t want to fall at the first hurdle!

While soldering with certain materials, harmful gases can be released into the air. These vapours should not be inhaled, and if they are not removed they might prevent you from focusing. Fume extraction systems use power filtration and extraction systems to prevent you from inhaling harmful toxins and allow you to focus on your work.

Make sure you’re using the correct soldering equipment

You don’t need hundreds of soldering accessories to get optimal soldering results, but some essential equipment will help you achieve a better end product.

Soldering iron stand

A soldering iron stand provides you with a safe and secure holder for your soldering iron. While you are taking a break or getting your materials ready, you can’t just lay your soldering iron down on the table as it may become damaged and affect the quality of your work.

Tweezers and clamps

Tweezers and clamps are basic pieces of equipment that will make your work much easier. They will allow you to hold components firmly in place, which means you’ll be more accurate and less likely to burn your fingertips!

Protective gear

To produce good work, you need to feel safe and comfortable while you’re soldering. This means wearing the right protective gear, such as safety glasses, gloves and long-sleeve garments. You may need to consider ESD products in certain situations.

Maintain and clean your soldering iron

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but we really can’t stress this enough. Soldering iron tips are repeatedly heated and cooled and can be easily damaged as a result of this. Before starting a new project, make sure you have removed excess material from your soldering iron and take particular care with your soldering iron tip.

If you don’t take good care of your tools, your work is going to suffer. Your soldering iron tip should be shiny at all times; if it’s dull and tired looking, then that means there’s a build-up of oxidisation. You can remove this by using a JBC tip cleaner or solder flux. Just be sure to wipe the tip on a damp sponge from deionised water to remove the excess flux before you begin soldering again.

Take regular breaks to review your work

We know how easy it is to get caught up in your work, but if you don’t take a step back now and then, you might be making little mistakes without even realising it. We recommend taking regular breaks to give both yourself and your equipment a little time to cool down. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Finally, we encourage everyone to ask for help if they need it. While soldering may seem like a simple process, it requires a great deal of dedication, skill and know-how to obtain optimal soldering results.

Hopefully, now you’re in a better position to tackle your next project, whether it’s a simple DIY task or a more complicated procedure. And if you do need some soldering iron advice, our experienced team is on hand to help.