Soldering Simplified: A Newbie’s Guide to Through-Hole Soldering

Are you ready to take your repair skills to the next level? Soldering is a crucial skill for any DIY enthusiast or repair professional. In this tutorial, we’ll take you through the basics of through-hole soldering, a simple and effective way to connect components on a printed circuit board (PCB).

Setting Up Your Workstation

To get started, you’ll need a few basic tools and supplies. Don’t worry, you don’t need to break the bank – you can find most of these items for under $100. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Soldering iron (at least 60 watts)
• Soldering iron tips (smaller chisel tip recommended)
• Solder (lead-free recommended)
• Flux (rosin-based recommended)
• Solder wick
• Flush cutters
• Masking tape

Now that you have your tools and supplies, let’s talk about safety. When working with molten metal, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid inhaling fumes and protect your skin. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area, and consider using a fume extractor or building your own DIY version.

Preparing Your Component

Before you start soldering, make sure your component is ready to go. Insert the leads into the pre-drilled holes on the PCB, and bend them slightly to hold them in place. Don’t bend the legs too much, as this can make it harder for the solder to flow around the entire pad.

Soldering the Component

Now it’s time to solder! Apply a small amount of flux to the copper pads and leads, and then heat up your soldering iron. Place the iron tip on both the lead and the copper pad, and feed in some solder from the other side. Make sure to touch the iron to both surfaces to form a proper connection.

Desoldering (Just in Case)

What if you make a mistake? Don’t worry, desoldering is possible! Use a copper wick to remove excess solder, and apply more flux to the joint if needed. With a little patience and practice, you can remove the solder and start again.

Final Thoughts

Soldering may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, you can master the basics. Remember to always follow safety guidelines, use the right tools and supplies, and take your time. Happy soldering!

At Salvation Repair, we offer a limited lifetime guarantee on all parts and labor. If you’re not comfortable soldering yourself, or if you need help with a repair, schedule a repair with us today: Schedule a repair