Soldering

Step 3: Soldering

This step can often be the easiest when soldering audio cables.

You simply need to place your soldering iron onto the contact to melt the solder.

When the solder in the contact melts, slide the wire into the contact.

Remove the iron and hold the wire still while the solder solidifies again.

You will see the solder 'set' as it goes hard.

This should all take around 1-3 seconds.

• A good solder joint will be smooth and shiny.
• If the joint is dull and crinkly, the wire probably moved during soldering.
• If you have taken too long it will have have solder spikes.

If it does not go so well, you may find the insulation has melted, or there is too much stripped wire showing. If this is the case, you should desolder the joint and start again.

Next Page: Cleaning