Q&A for How to Solder Wires Together

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How do you get solder to stick to wire?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

If the solder isn’t sticking, it might mean that the wires need to be cleaned. Swish your wire around in a little vinegar with salt dissolved in it to get rid of grime and corrosion, then dip it in a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize the acid of the vinegar. Wipe the wires dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
Question

Can you use glue instead of solder?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Typically, no. Most glue won’t conduct electricity, so it’s not a great solution for connecting wires. However, if soldering isn’t an option, you can use a conductive adhesive or wire glue. Just be aware that it probably won’t work as well as solder for holding the wires together.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 3
Question

How do you solder really small wires?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

You may find it helpful to work under a magnifying lens. Also, use the smallest soldering iron tip you can find so that you have more control over what you’re doing. Use a very tiny amount of solder on the tip of your iron.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

How do I solder a wire to something like a battery or just flat iron?

Donagan

Top Answerer

The trick is simultaneously to heat both the contact point and the end of the wire enough to cause the solder first to melt and then stick to both surfaces at the same time. It takes practice.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 10
Question

Can small solid wires be soldered?

Sini Saja

Community Answer

Sure, small wires can be soldered. First, strip the ends of the wires to remove insulation from the wires. Line up the centers of the exposed parts of wires, so they form an X letter. Then twist one wire around another wire. Twist them tightly enough that they form a firm mechanical bond. That way you are getting a good mechanical connection in addition to an electrical one. If there is no tension on wires then there is no need for twisting wires before soldering. Then, solder the wires. After soldering, it is recommended to apply a piece of heat-shrink over the solder joint.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0