The process of soldering involves melting a low-temperature metal alloy over a joint or wire to secure 2 pieces together without the risk of them coming undone.If you want to make a connection that lasts a long time, you can use solder to combine 2 wires.Wrap the wires around one another to begin the connection.You can melt the solder directly onto the wires after that.You can seal the exposed wires by covering and waterproofing them.
Step 1: The insulation is removed from the end of each wire.
Attach the jaws of a wire stripper to the end of one of the wires.Pull the jaws toward the end of the wire if you want to remove the insulation.The process should be repeated on the end of the other wire as well.The local hardware store can sell wire strippers.You can slice through the insulation with a utility knife if you don't have a wire stripper.Don't cut through the wire inside.If you break strands off of a stranded wire, it could cause a blow up.Try stripping the wire again if you don't have any strands left.
Step 2: Put a piece of heat-shrink tubing on one of the wires.
You can easily slide heat-shrink tubing on if you have a gauge larger than the wire.Cut a piece of tubing that is at least 2 inches long so that it can cover the insulation later on.Move the heat-shrink tubing away from the exposed end of the wires.You can buy heat-shrink tubing at your local hardware store.You may not be able to secure it completely if you use heat-shrink tubing that is too large.The heat-shrink tubing could shrink from the heat of your soldering iron, so don't keep it near the area you're soldering.
Step 3: Attach the ends of the wires together.
The exposed wires should be lined up so they form an X-shape.To get a firm connection, twist one of the wires around the other tightly.If the end of the wire sticks up or points away from the splice, you won't have as firm of a connection.If you repeat the process with the other wire, it will look the same on both sides.
Step 4: Attach alligator clips to the wires to keep them away from your work surface.
Alligator clips are small metal grips that work well for holding wires in place.Place the alligator clips vertically on the work surface.Attach the wires to the alligator clip so the splice can be supported off the work surface.Alligator clips can be found at your local hardware store.The fumes from the soldering iron can be harmful if you work in a well-ventilated space.Use a scrap piece of metal or a non-flammable material under the alligator clips to catch solder spills.
Step 5: The solder will adhere better if rosin is put on the wire.
A compound called rosin flux helps clean wires and allows solder to stick to them.Rub the exposed wires with a bead-sized amount of rosin flux.There is a thin layer of flux on the wires if you coat them evenly.You can wipe the wires off with a paper towel.You can find rosin flux at your local hardware store.
Step 6: 63/37 leaded solder is the easiest material to work with.
Tin or lead are usually used in solder, which is usually made with a combination of metals.It turns right from a solid to a liquid as soon as it reaches 361 F.When working with electronics, use 63/37 solder to connect the wires.If you solder with lead, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.Gloves are not required since you won't be working with solder for very long.It may be more difficult to work with lead-free solder.Silver solder is used for plumbing and pipes.
Step 7: It's a good idea to melt solder on the tip of the soldering iron.
You should wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.It only takes a few minutes for your soldering iron to heat up.Attach the end of your solder to the iron with a thin layer of it.Continue putting solder on the iron until it looks shiny.Tinning the iron stops oxidation and can cause iron to heat unevenly.It can cause severe burns if you touch the end of the soldering iron.
Step 8: To heat the flux, hold the soldering iron against the bottom of the splicing.
Put the soldering iron on the bottom side of the wire.The heat will transfer from the iron to the wires.You can begin adding solder once the flux starts bubbling.It may take longer for thicker gauge wire to heat up.If you accidentally touch the soldering iron or hot solder, wear old clothes that you don't mind getting singed.
Step 9: If you want the solder to melt into the wires, run the tip.
The soldering iron should be on the bottom of the wire.The 63/37 solder should be tapped at the end to melt it into the wires.The solder can travel into the gaps between the wires if it is run over.Continue melting the solder until there is a thin layer of solder covering the exposed wire.The fumes created by the solder can cause irritation and be harmful to your body.Make sure the fumes don't build up by working in aventilated area.It is not required that you wear a face mask.
Step 10: For 1-2 minutes, let the solder cool and solidify.
Pull the solder and iron away from the splice so it can cool down.Since you could loosen the connection between them, don't touch or disturb the wire while it's drying.After 1-2 minutes, the solder will solidify and you can handle it again.
Step 11: To make it waterproof, Rub Silicone paste on the soldered wire.
Silicone paste makes your splice waterproof and prevents metal wires from rusting.Spread the paste over the soldered wire with your finger.The wire needs to be protected with a thin, even layer of silicone paste.Silicone paste can be purchased from your local hardware store.
Step 12: The heat-shrink tubing should be moved over the wires.
Take the heat-shrink tubing that you put on the wire earlier and move it back over the soldered wire.The edges of the heat-shrink tubing should go over the insulation by at least 4 inch.Since there is still enough on the wires to protect them, it is okay if some of the silicone oozing out from the heat-shrink tubing.
Step 13: To shrink tubing, use a heat gun.
The heat gun should be 4–5 inches away from the tubing.Start applying heat to the center of the tubing by turning the heat gun onto the lowest setting.Work around the entire wire, heating it from the center to the edges to make sure the silicone paste doesn't get out of the sides.You can stop applying heat when the heat-shrink tubing is tight.You can buy a heat gun at your local hardware store.
Step 14: A paper towel is needed to wipe off excess silicone paste.
Silicone paste will leak out of the tubing as it shrinks.Once the wire and tubing are cool to the touch, use a piece of paper towel to wipe the silicone off of the wires.The wires are finished once you remove the silicone paste.