Easily Improve Your Soldering Skill / Soldering Game Changer

Easily improve your soldering skill is a nice clear guide showing the massive importance of using different size solder wire gauges on your electronic projects.
With the use of clear soldering demonstrations + photographs , see how different solder sizes are vital to getting good end soldering results.
You really will be amazed how such a simple change to your soldering habits can have such a dramatic change in end results.
Distributers such as BLT Circuits ( England ) , Farnell , RS Components , Mouser and DIGIKEY all stock various gauge solder wire so don't miss the opportunity to achieve great results with your soldering.
For most leaded soldering I use a temperature of roughly 330 degrees centigrade, and lead free roughly 360 - 375 degrees centigrade . The same flux is used for both types.
If you find this tutorial of use please like and subscribe and switch on the notification Bell so as to not miss out on any future soldering releases on my KZbin channel.
Finally , thank you for your time and support and good luck with all of your future soldering projects.
Mr SolderFix
#soldering #solderingtutorial #smdsoldering

[@rickhunt3183]

I've been using Ersin multicore 5 core solder since I was a teen. It's the very best in my opinion. I won't use lead free, I use 60/40 of various sizes or 63/37. One thing I've alway done for a prototype board is to lightly polish the solder pads with .0000 steel wool to take the oxide off the surface. Polishing the pads makes for better flow. A pencil eraser will work for some applications. I hope people don't expect their work to be on your level. You've clearly been doing this a Long time. You're at the artistic level. It takes years of practice to be able to keep your hands so steady. A lot of people are going to be disappointed that their hands won't do what their brain is trying to tell their hands to do, but anything you practice you can become good at. I always solder as if Im in a contest and my work is going to be judged. Everyone should take that approach to their work if they want to be at your level. Thanks for the video. It's nice to see an artist at work.

[@foogod4237]

This is really great advice, and not something I see mentioned very much. In summary, what I got from this video (general guidelines): If you're doing SMD work: use 0.25mm If you're doing through-hole: use 0.5mm For large connections, floods, etc: 0.9mm And if three sizes is too many for you, 0.7mm can potentially fill the role of both the 0.5mm and 0.9mm in a pinch. (And always, always, apply extra flux beforehand, don't rely on the flux in the solder.)

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi . Generally your summary is nearly correct . There are times when I will use 0.5mm or 0.7mm for surface mount , I just tend to assess each component when I solder it. Any fine pitch components i definitely use 0.25mm but I guess if people do drag soldering they may use different. Everyone is different but these sizes are what I get on best with . Thanks for your support , take care 👍

[@barrymayson2492]

I have three sizes on the solder dispensary, learned the advantages of different sizes a long time ago!! But you are the first KZbin video I have seen show this! Well done and thanks for your time and work.

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. Although some people like yourself are fully aware of the different size solders and how they are all useful at times , I just wanted to spread the message to others who may not be aware of the sizes you can now get. Hopefully if it helps a few people out this video then it's done its job . Thanks again for your time 👍

[@nhand42]

Great advice and those soldering joints look so good. The reflection in that last joint was mirror perfect.

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your nice comment , much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found the clarity ok . Hopefully the video can help a few people then I'm happy . Thanks again , take care 👍

[@Rasspor]

As always great video tips on soldering. I enjoy your great tips and examples for soldering.These tips have improved my soldering skills tremendously. Looking forward to more of your future videos.

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your support , much appreciated. I'm glad the videos have helped you . I learnt some great tips off people over the years , plus sometimes you come up with your own unique methods . If I can pass some of these on and it helps people that's great . Good luck with all your future soldering projects and thanks again 👍

[@David-fj5lz]

Your video had answered all the questions I wanted to ask

[@_aiborie]

Thank you so much for the demonstration here! Indeed an effective way to make sense of the size differences, especially for beginners like me.

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your comment. This was one of the most important things that helped me the most over the years I've been soldering . Life just became easier when I discovered different solders especially the 0.25mm size solder. Hopefully others can make their soldering easier , I know they can . Thanks again for your support , good luck and take care 👍

[@wookieecantina]

Smashing video, thanks for creating and sharing. Your vids are so exceptionally helpful.

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy the videos and find them useful If I can help a few people then I'm happy 😀 . Thanks for your support , take care 👍

[@steveohim]

Great videos great channel just the tips I’m looking for as a newbie

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for watching the videos and commenting, very much appreciated. I'm glad they have been helpful and I hope you get on ok with all of your soldering projects. Thanks again, take care 👍

[@ES-iv6wb]

I’m sooo impressed with your videos 🎉

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for supporting my channel, very much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy the videos . I've tried to improve them as I've gone along . I know my very early ones were a bit dodgy but hopefully people can now see the difference , thanks again , take care 👍

[@GaryLabandter]

Simply the best 👌

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , your support is very much appreciated . Hopefully the video can help a few people out in the future . Thanks again , take care 👍

[@user-xb5zu6zu7j]

Finally somone explained the solder size to me. Shame I bought 250g of 1mm for SMD work

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , much appreciated . I'm glad you enjoyed the video , hopefully it can help a few people out . Thanks again , take care 👍

[@Skunkola]

Excellent as ever, many thnks for sharing your knowledge and ( a belated) Happy New Year 🥳

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , many thanks for all your support , much appreciated. If I can help anyone then I'm happy . At the end of the day we can all help each other with things we know , that's so important. Happy new year to you to and thanks again , take care 👍

[@lww3988]

thank you very much for your teaching

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for supporting my channel. I'm glad you find the videos useful . If I can help a few people out then that's great . Thanks again , take care 👍

[@mda420]

Yes I usually use 1mm and struggle a lot but I won't give that much money on solder but you are absolutely right different sizes for different jobs and less headache

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your comment , much appreciated. If you are based in the UK try BLT Circuits for all of your solders . They do a great 0.25mm solder ( leaded and unleaded ) and are really cheap compared to the main well known stockists. Thanks again , take care 👍

[@mda420]

@@mrsolderfix3996 No I'm not in UK and in my country there is mostly 1mm,0.5mm probably there is smaller but for me it's a hobby and I rarely use something less than that because I rarely do jobs like that and it's not worth it to buy .I am sewing mechanic and I use big ones for soldering guides on presser foot or something else.Thank you for the info and keep doing videos i really like them and always learn great tips from you thanks again

[@1kimdotcom]

excellent video, keep up the good work😀

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated 👍

[@seagullsg784]

I use Blt solder and solder paste for smt. Agreed its all good stuff

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your comment. I've always found their products great and also their prices when compared to the main stockists that we all know . It would be great if other people started using them as well . Thanks again , take care 👍

[@drumbyte]

Thank you for sharing!

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for watching the video, very much appreciated 👍

[@Solder_it]

Very good video, maybe you can show how to do “ Drag soldering” for these types of chips👍🏻 i think it would be an amazing video. One of the best tips known for drag soldering is the Hakko T15-CF3 bevel tip its an amazing performer !

[@Sydney268]

Nice video, almost tempted to buy some thinner solder - I use 1mm for everything, can be a pita for some microsoldering jobs but I don't consider myself a beginner ;)

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your support, much appreciated. I used to use one size only years ago , I guess you get used to it . It's only when you discover the smaller sizes everything just seems so much easier . Hopefully the video can tempt a few people to try the different sizes . Thanks again , take care 👍

[@williamreid3505]

Thank you for this😎

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated 👍

[@dennisrattray6582]

I really appreciate your soldering skills and the tips you share on KZbin. After watching your videos, I tried to purchase some .25mm and .5mm Sn100SB 100g rolls from BLT Circuits, but unfortunately, they don't ship to Australia. I also looked on Farnell, RS Components, Mouser, and DIGIKEY, but I couldn't find same size within my budget. Is there a similar product that I can buy here in Australia?

[@ProcyonF.]

You ought to make a video about tweezers; I often buy tweezers for soldering but I use them for other little things and ultimately end up bending the little pointy tips regardless of how careful I am. Some of the Lindstrom brand stuff you have showed off is second to none, but need little more info on which is safe for multiple purpose etc. Just to bounce some of my interests off for this topic

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your suggestion , very much appreciated . It's a good idea and I should do it as I have many different pairs . Sometimes soon hopefully . Thanks again , take care 👍

[@John_Smith__]

Great video as usual on your channel but I wonder the day I see your drag solder videos 😀

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I think I've said a few times I'm not a fan of drag soldering , I always do it the way I show in my videos . For hobbyists drag soldering is tricky and can easily cause damage if not careful , so I wouldn't want to show it . So sorry to disappoint you but I won't be showing it 😀 , take care

[@John_Smith__]

@@mrsolderfix3996 I think you make great videos and it is by no mean any disappointment that you prefer to stick to what works well! Everyone should show their preferred expertise and none other. You have Great videos and a great solder technique. I was just wondering about drag solder. I use a knife edge like tip to do that sort of soldering and it so far has gone well. Thank you for your videos and keep up with the great content!

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , you are right what you say , if you have a method that works for you stick with it . I think KZbin is great to show everyone's methods then we can all choose our favourite one . Thanks again for your comments , they are very much appreciated, take care 👍

[@temyraverdana6421]

... experience, experience and experience! Thanks

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your comment, very much appreciated 👍

[@joseramos3076]

You're the best, How to save more solder wire? I can't spend too much solder because in my country is expensive sadly. Best regards Mr solderfix

[@ntoslinux]

What camera do you use? Your video are too good with great focus

[@paulh5983]

Hi, great videos. Thank you for taking the time to create and share them. I'm brushing up on my soldering skills which I haven't used for over 30 years when I was in TV/Video/Audio repair. I'm doing this so I can remove a 8 leg 'B79AF 93c56EM8' EEPROM from an automotive ECU, which is 8-SOIC I think, reprogram and solder back to the board successfully. I have a 'YIHUA 862BD+ SMD Hot Air Rework Station and Soldering Station', anti static mat etc etc and I'm ready to go and I have been practicing on a scrap computer board before I do anything on the ECU. Can you advise me on the temp and air setting to remove the chip and also the iron temp for soldering back please? Also, can you advise on what size of soldering iron tip and type/diameter solder for this type of chip please? I have some RS solder Multicore Wire, 0.7mm Lead solder, 183 → 188°C Melting Point part# 555-235 but the smallest iron tip I have is too large for soldering the EEPROM back on the board. Thanks

[@paulh5983]

Watched another of your videos and found the information I need so I’m good to go now👍

[@MuncheeZRetro]

Great video thank you, quick question: do you use glue to hold wires down after you've soldered them? I'm installing a modchip on an xbox soon and I've seen some people glue the wires into place to stop them flapping about

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your question. Yes generally I would use glue as I have shown in a few of my videos. The glue I use on PCB's is called Tak Pak . It's a proper PCB glue and comes in 2 parts ( glue + activator) . I spray lightly first over desired area then once the sprays disappeared I just go over the wire with a bead of glue . Repeat every inch or so along the wire . Gluing first then activating makes a mess of it , so do activator first . But if you use another glue of your choice then that's fine , so yes I do generally glue any wires with a hint of length. Thanks again 👍

[@Turco949]

One thing I noticed, typically, the proper size solder should have about the same thickness/diameter as the pin or wire it is used on.

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated . You are probably right to suggest the solder size is roughly the same width as the pins . I've just always used 0.25mm size solder for 90% of IC pin widths . Thanks again , take care 👍

[@Turco949]

@@mrsolderfix3996 No, thank you, sir! I have grown an interest in electronics repair in recent months. Currently, still reading books and watching videos to prepare myself a bit before I start doing anything hands on. As you guessed, all I had was like 0.6mm-0.9mm solder. Smallest I could find was 0.3mm solder, do you think that would be good enough for SMD level soldering? Cheers!

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , 0.3mm should be ok for small soldering , if you are based in the UK try BLT Circuits ltd , they sell all sizes of solders and are a great price . In America Mouser or Digikey are the places to get your solders from . Hope you get on ok , take care 👍

[@bradjames3555]

I am struggling big time with soldering. I bought a TS101 and it came with a fine conical tip. The problem I am having is the solder doesn't stick to the tip, it just blobs and falls away. I tried 350°C and 400°C and regularly cleaned the tip with the brass scourer style cleaner but no matter what I do I cannot get solder to flow freely as you make it look so easy. I am using soft solder paste on the area before I try. I have watched loads of you vids but just can't get to grips with it. I know the tips can be an issue if they are dirty, but I clean the tip after every action. Any advice on why the solder blobs?

[@Sajid-lp9ss]

can you make a video about lead and lead free solder wire?

[@thebatu89]

I have question on the solder tips. Are they supposed to erode after some time? The one that came with my hot air workstation lasted for quite a while before the entire tip was eroded. Is there a proper care when using it?

[@user-od6vh8je1p]

I like to solder with lead,more shine, easy melt

[@Enigma758]

What do you think of 63% tin, 37% lead? I've personally found it to be a very good formulation.

[@EvilCoopra]

It's definitely the best choice if you value quality and long-lasting results, but he won't admit it because arbitrary social pressures are forcing him to discourage the use of leaded solder.

[@rcboosted]

Great video as always, so that's why tiny SMD packages are always bridging and I need to wick it with the iron tip a lot. Would you cover lead-less solder in a future video? I picked up some sn100c 0.8mm solder and they do not stick to my iron tip or components very well. I work mostly on vintage electronics, perhaps it's due to mixing with older leaded solder? After some time, the tip yellows a bit and issues gets worse despite cleaning. Tip temp needed about 20C higher in my experience.

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your comment. I've used lead free solder in the majority of my videos . I always use Sn100SB lead free ( various sizes ) from BLT Circuits ( England ). I never really have a problem with it adhering to my iron tip but as most people soldering would probably know there are times when your tips will go black and oxidize and it will take a bit of effort to get them going again . If this happens I very gently scalpel blade the tip , try and tin it , do it again , re tin it and keep doing this until eventually it just becomes useable . It does take in the end. Your vintage solder joints probably don't help as solder does seem to change over many years but normally it's workable . You can buy small tip cleaning pots that you dip your iron tip into when it's hot and it cleans it ready to use . These can be pretty useful . I guess you knew about these but if not try Farnell , RS Components, probably even Amazon will sell them . I hope this helps , thanks again , take care 👍

[@rcboosted]

@@mrsolderfix3996 Thank you for your detailed reply. It's interesting you've been using sn100b in your videos, they look like 63/37! About your comment with oxidized tip, that's the bizarre part, if I switch to 63/37 solder without removing the oxidation, it sticks immediately. It's almost like the sn100c is "hydrophobic" while the 63/37 is "hydrophilic". The reason the tip turns yellow I suspect it's due to the sn100c not sticking to it, so it's just heating in free-air. Maybe BLT's sn100sb is better quality, perhaps I'll give it a try. And maybe more flux, you can't have too much flux. :)

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , no problem . If you go on BLT Circuits website and look up the Sn100SB solder it states in the description that it produces bright shiny joints . Lots of people think you are using leaded solder when in fact you are using this great lead free solder . That's why I love it so much as it's the shiniest lead free I've ever found and it's so easy to work with . Thanks again, take care 👍

[@pamelabraman7217]

What is the size of your tweezers They make the ones I use look like needle nose pliers.

[@qt1qg]

Is there any lead free solder that mimics behaviour and melting temperature(183"C) of Sn 63% Pb 37%?

[@aliemlek]

👍👍👌👌

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for watching the video, much appreciated 👍

[@lycanlycans7548]

Can you make a video how to solder FPC connector ? On Smartphones . Thank you for your informative videos.

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your comment. I've shown a couple of these types of connectors and how I fit them in some of my other videos . How to solder SMD correctly ( part 2 ) has one in and ( part 5 ) a more recent video has one in . They may be of use . Thanks again , take care 👍

[@castlecodersltd]

Great video. Thanks. What size of solder tip are you using please? ☺

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. In all my videos I keep it simple and only use 2 different soldering iron tips . I use a Weller TCP S soldering iron with a PTP7 ( small conical ) and a DD8 ( large flat sided ) , hope that helps , thanks again 👍

[@castlecodersltd]

@@mrsolderfix3996 yes it does, thank you. Having binged on your videos I tried your method (flux, tack, do other side and go back to the tacked side if necessary) for SMD components (1206, 0805, 0603 and 0402) and I have to say I prefer it to the dragging solder method. So I'll be sticking to that from now on. Cheers ☺

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , I'm glad the videos have helped you . Plenty of practice and you will definitely improve , then you can go on to harder and harder parts . It's the way I went , now everything seems pretty easy . Thanks again , take care

[@rickhunt3183]

Oh..one more thing. Always have the right tools. I use hakko, but I've used irons that were a lot cheaper and worked great for me. A Weller wp30 is a good choice. If someone plans to do professional work. They need professional tools.

[@GeekinTX]

I have had a friend that did circuit rework, and he claimed that .9 solder should only be used for the repair of steel water pipes! 🙂

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , i personally don't tend to use 0.9mm solder on PCB's but there is absolutely no reason you can't . So I do believe your friend is not quite right 👍

[@ryujiyamazaki583]

What flux do U use?

[@jeffm2787]

I've got around 4kg of 0.25mm hanging around. Kind of lasts a long time.

[@paulkroon4931]

How do you deal with the difference in temperature of the solders? I mean 60/40 or 63/37 vs sb100? What happens if the solders get mixed during rework? Do you keep the solder iron tips separate? Is there a difference with flux for 60/40 vs sb100?

[@rodmongodwood]

from my experience if you have good flux or good solder with integrated flux you dont need to set the temps higher. at our company i solder leadfree at 330-350^C just like the leaded one. dont know the solder name on top of my head tho would have to check it tomorrow. using the right size tip is much more important, especially for larger solder joints.

[@jonathanwickett9118]

Can you say exactly what flux you are using? BLT only seems to sell their flux in 25ltr containers, so need to get the correct one.

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi . I would contact them directly and ask them to quote you for the type of flux and the amount you need . They recently sent me a 250ml bottle of one of their fluxes so they can send smaller quantities out it seems if that's what you require . They are very helpful so hopefully they can help you. Good luck 👍

[@jonathanwickett9118]

@@mrsolderfix3996 have done exactly that :-) and Greg has recommended 35-90 liquid flux. Now waiting on qty/price.

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , Greg's a good man , hopefully he can sort something out for you . Take care 👍

[@jonathanwickett9118]

@@mrsolderfix3996 that 35-90 flux arrived (super service from BLT Circuits BTW), but it is the consistency of water, not like the stuff you put on with a cable tie. So back to BLT for further advice.

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , I'm sure if you contact Greg he will put this right . I have some flux to try from them ( different number than the one you have ) but I haven't tried it yet. The one in all my videos was SMFL200D , amazing stuff , but unfortunately the 200ml cans I used to buy are now discontinued. Think you can only buy it in a flux pen 12ml. I haven't tried BLT's flux yet , I just love their solders . I hope you get sorted out , good luck 👍

[@Laptrix]

I want to buy this wire get link online 😔 plzz

[@dazamad]

The hard part is sourcing the 0.25mm solder locally otherwise shipping and solder is just ridiculous pricing out of the hobby. Blt doesn't have a distributor here.

[@matthewc2328]

😏 *Promosm*

[@AlfredNRW]

It would be nice if you put some Amazon links in the description of your tools and so on. As i know you will get some credits if someone buy thinks from your Amazon list. I would buy the flux that you use immediately.

[@eoghancorr]

Would you be interested in doing some pcb repairs? Can you add your email?

[@mohammedhassanademadem]

Welcome back brother! It's your first video this year. Happy new year, I really hope you hit 100,000 subscribers this year. 🏵🌺🏵🌺🌼🌼🌼💮💮💮🌸🌸🦠💐💐

[@mrsolderfix3996]

Hi , thank you for your support , very much appreciated. It's good to be back . I don't post as much as I would like ( always to busy ) but I will always post more videos when I can as long as people keep finding them of use . It would be great to get more subscribers but I guess I don't post regularly enough for a lot of people . Anyway I will keep going . Thanks again , and happy new year to you as well , take care 👍