Tomrrow im gonna wire up the foglights in my xj correctly, and instead of using cheap buttsplice connectors ( I know they are so easy to use), I am going to try my hand at soldering. Borrowing my fathers soldering gun, soldering iron, and solder. Hopefully I dont need anymore supplies.
But as I have not done this ever before, and only have watched tutorials any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I solder some - not a lot. But one thing i have learned is to heat the wire and hold the solder to it and let it melt into the wire. If you heat the solder first and try and join them that way it just make a mess of the joint. Also i like to use heat shrink wrap. It makes for a nice finished look, but you can just use electric tape.

 

X2 heat the wire, but you do want to melt a lil on the tip itself before touching the wire, forgot what the term for that is, tinning? Also with the rosin core solder cut it nice so you can see the core, that core makes it stick, don't ever just rip the solder. And twist those wires, solder from the base of the twist up to the tip. Clean the tip on sand paper or file if needed in-between wires. That rosin can build up on the tip. Have fun! Soldering is cool.

 

Got some good advice to follow there. I solder on an almost daily basis at work and they hit the nail on the head as far as what you need to do there.

 

i didnt read anything about a sponge... a moist sponge is a good idea to wipe off your iron/gun on. fyi moist dirty socks work but smell like burning butt hair

 

A good quality gun makes a huge difference. You have to make sure it will put out enough heat for the work you're doing. Too big is always better than too small (thats what she said).

 

Giggity.