lost Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 this is probably a noob question but whats the point of soldering? can't u just twist the wires around each other and cover it with some electrical tape? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kash Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 Not when you need to connect a wire to a metal contact on a PCB. In that case, there's only one wire, so you need to solder the connections together. Plus, soldering can be fun Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeble Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 this is probably a noob question but whats the point of soldering? can't u just twist the wires around each other and cover it with some electrical tape? You could. But you know what happens when you pull on the two wires, right? That's not an issue with a good solder joint. Not to mention solder and heatshrink looks better than a big mess of electrical tape... and it doesn't get all sticky when it's warm outside. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waco Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 It's a more secure connection that has less resistance (AKA line loss). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lost Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 (edited) You could. But you know what happens when you pull on the two wires, right? That's not an issue with a good solder joint. Not to mention solder and heatshrink looks better than a big mess of electrical tape... and it doesn't get all sticky when it's warm outside. No I don't know what happens I'm a noob. But I thought you should wrap the wires because "your not suppose to use your solder as a welder" (quote from a How To Solder Video from YouTube)? I was watching a few YouTube videos on soldering, and it said I should use 60/40 Rosin Core Solder. Does it matter if I use the 63/37 or should I get the 60/40. I didn't buy the expensive one. How paranoid do I have to be about the lead? =-O This plumbing solder is lead free, but is that only for plumbing and should not be used for Electrical stuff? Edited January 15, 2008 by lost Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeble Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 (edited) No I don't know what happens I'm a noob. Well, they come apart. But I thought you should wrap the wires because "your not suppose to use your solder as a welder" (quote from a How To Solder Video from YouTube)? I was watching a few YouTube videos on soldering, and it said I should use 60/40 Rosin Core Solder. Does it matter if I use the 63/37 or should I get the 60/40. How paranoid do I have to be about the lead? =-O Joining two wires isn't the same thing as trying to attach a wire to a metal plate. That would be using the solder as a welder. 63/37 is easier to work with because it goes straight from solid to liquid without a pasty stage. Either one will work. Just don't eat the solder and you'll be fine. EDIT: Supposedly the lead-free stuff is harder to work with. I haven't used it myself so I don't know. Edited January 15, 2008 by Bleeble Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardnrg Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 solder has been lead free for a while in the UK, probably the EU too... I prefer the lead-free multi-core* solder that contains silver... works well for silver wires, gold contacts, and just everything * multi-core solder contains flux Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeble Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 solder has been lead free for a while in the UK, probably the EU too... I prefer the lead-free multi-core* solder that contains silver... works well for silver wires, gold contacts, and just everything * multi-core solder contains flux Go lax US environmental standards! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
suchuwato Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 solder has been lead free for a while in the UK, probably the EU too... I prefer the lead-free multi-core* solder that contains silver... works well for silver wires, gold contacts, and just everything * multi-core solder contains flux I used some multi-core the other day and it's miles better than the crap I used to use... and yeah, it's way better for soldering onto silver/gold Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterStoba Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 I used multi core in school, was alot easier to work with Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waco Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 Go lax US environmental standards! I don't think I've ever bought leaded solder in the US...do they still make it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeble Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 I don't think I've ever bought leaded solder in the US...do they still make it? Yes sir. You can go down to your local Radioshack and pick some up today. In fact, I have some in my bedroom right now. Although I think this country is eventually making the move to lead-free as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now