The most common soldering mistakes

Even a good soldering station and an experienced technician can create poor joints if the correct procedures are not followed. Many problems have the same recurring causes.

1. Too high a temperature

Damages components and pads and wears the tip. Work at the lowest possible temperature.

2. The wrong soldering tip

A tip that is too small does not deliver enough heat – see how to choose a soldering tip.

3. Too little flux

Without flux the solder wets poorly and cold joints form.

4. Heating only the solder

The solder must melt through the heated joint, not by direct contact with the tip.

5. Cold joints

Matte and grainy from too little heat or movement while cooling – a common source of faults.

6. Too much solder

Covers the joint and can cause bridges. Less is often more.

7. Insufficient tip cleaning

Oxides worsen heat transfer – see how to clean soldering tips.

8. Not using the sleep mode

Constant heat during breaks wears the tip needlessly.

9. Mechanical tip cleaning

Files and abrasives destroy the coating irreversibly.

10. Unsuitable solder

The wrong diameter or poor flux in the solder makes the work harder.

How to recognise a good joint?

Shiny, cone-shaped and evenly wetted, firmly bonded to pad and lead.

How to prevent mistakes?

The right temperature and tip, good flux, cleaning and care – see extending the life of soldering tips.

Conclusion

Most soldering mistakes can be avoided with the right technique. Find more guides in the ESD Guide.