Trying to choose a new soldering iron? There’s a lot you’ll need to keep in mind, but fortunately, the following tips should help you find the product that’s best suited to you. After all, while there are countless different soldering irons on the market, these can vary considerably, and finding the right one will depend on your requirements. Things to Look For When Choosing the Right Soldering Iron When searching for the ideal soldering iron, there’s a lot to keep in mind – but the tips we’ve outlined as follows could help you pick the perfect tool for your needs. #1 Brand One of the main things you’ll want to look for from the ideal soldering iron is a great brand. Considering the company behind the soldering iron can help you find the perfect device for your needs. After all, a well-reputed brand will often be a much better choice, allowing you to invest in a soldering iron that’s made by an industry-leading team. #2 Ergonomic Design Accuracy is hugely important for your soldering efforts. However, a soldering iron that’s painful or difficult to hold and handle will make things significantly harder and less enjoyable. As such, we strongly recommend looking for an iron with an ergonomic design, especially if you intend to use the iron for an extended duration. A design that features an ergonomic handle will fit much more comfortably in your hand, thereby reducing fatigue and improving your precision while using the soldering iron. #3 Weight Lightweight soldering irons are significantly easier to use than regular irons, making them a great investment over heavier, bulkier designs. However, it’s critical to check that your lightweight soldering iron doesn’t compromise on strength, which can be a common concern. #4 Features The best soldering irons will typically offer a wide range of features, such as rapid heating and cooling times, adjustable temperature settings, and accurate temperature control. Looking for these features in your soldering iron can help you find the perfect soldering equipment for your needs. #5 Number of Tips Having a range of different tips can help improve your soldering efforts significantly. Indeed, choosing an iron that allows you to switch between several different tips can help make the iron much more versatile, ensuring that your new tool can work for many different soldering activities and tasks. #6 Quality At the end of the day, finding a high-quality soldering iron is one of the most important goals when investing in a new soldering iron. Look for a tool that’s made from durable, high-quality materials and finished to a high standard to ensure you’re getting the best results from your soldering efforts. Get Professional Guidance Today If you have been struggling to find the right soldering iron for your needs, today’s tips may have helped. However, if you’re still unsure about where to find the best soldering iron for your needs, our experts can help – so contact us today at info@gordakelec.com to learn more! Our experts are among the leading professionals in the soldering field, so there’s no one better suited to help you pick out the perfect product.

Have you ever wondered about how to find the best soldering iron for your needs? With the new year rapidly approaching, it’s safe to say that finding the ideal soldering iron can seem a little tricky, especially when you don’t know where to turn; however, there are plenty of great options on the market, and we’ve outlined some of the key things you need to know about the best soldering iron of 2024 to help. The Best Soldering Iron of 2024: What to Look For The best soldering irons aren’t always easy to find, but there are plenty of amazing products on the market – and, when looking for the best soldering irons of 2024, make sure you keep the following five points in mind. After all, not all devices are created equal! #1 Durability At the end of the day, there’s no point buying a top rated soldering iron if it’s only going to last for a year or so. In line with this, durability is undoubtedly one of the most critical features of the best soldering irons in 2024. Try to choose a model that’s tried and tested to offer a great standard, and ideally, your new soldering iron should also come with a long enough warranty to cover plenty of use. #2 Power Power requirements may vary depending on how you’re using the soldering iron. However, choosing a soldering iron that provides plenty of power helps ensure more consistent heating and temperature maintenance during the soldering process. This also helps reduce the heating and cooling times, making the device more practical to use accordingly. #3 Ergonomics When working for an extended time, you’ll want to ensure you’ve chosen a soldering iron designed with ergonomics in mind. In turn, this can help reduce the pressure on your hand and wrist, making the soldering process more comfortable accordingly. #4 Lightweight Nature In addition to ergonomics, looking for a lightweight soldering iron can also help. This can reduce the strain on your wrist while using the soldering iron; a lightweight design also makes it easier to control the device during use without slipping. #5 Adjustable Temperature When soldering, adjusting the temperature based on the project’s specific requirements is incredibly useful. For example, some electronic components will need a lower temperature to ensure that damage is not done to the circuit board. Don’t Overlook Extra Features In addition to the aforementioned factors, it’s well worth keeping in mind that the best soldering irons on the market will often provide plenty of extras. This helps ensure you get the most from your investment. Discover the Best Soldering Iron of 2024 Today By now, you should know what you’re looking for when it comes to the best soldering irons – and with this in mind, there’s no better time to contact our experts to find the best soldering iron on the market. Indeed, we’re proud to be one of the leading providers of quality soldering equipment, and our top-rated soldering irons are designed to offer unbeatable results for your projects. So, contact us today at info@gordakelec.com; we’re here to help.

Have you been looking to try mobile and laptop fixing? Repairing a damaged mobile device or laptop comes with numerous unique challenges, but this doesn’t have to be an impossible goal – and with the right equipment, fixing a mobile or laptop device becomes substantially easier and more practical overall. In line with this, today, we’re looking at some of the key things you should look for from a mobile or laptop fixing soldering kit; hopefully, this will help you find the optimal materials and equipment for your needs. What Should You Look For From the Best Mobile and Laptop Fixing Soldering Kits? Working on laptops and mobile devices is an undoubtedly tricky challenge, especially when you consider the fiddly and delicate nature of such repairs. In line with this, investing in the best laptop and mobile fixing kits is vital, and there are several things you should look for here to inform your decision. These include the following points: Fine, delicate tools: Without a doubt, the most crucial thing to look for when choosing a soldering kit is the size of the tools. Indeed, working on mobile devices and laptops is exceptionally delicate and fiddly; therefore, you will need a set of tools that are effective on this diminutive scale. Range of tips: When working on mobile devices and laptops, having a range of soldering tips can definitely come in handy. As such, try to make sure your chosen kit offers a selection so that you have equipment capable of handling any requirement. Variable temperature controls: To get the best results from your soldering kit, try to find a solution with variable temperature controls. This allows you to solder different parts more effectively and control the temperature more accurately without causing damage to the device through excess heat. Value: While it shouldn’t be the first thing you look at, great value for money is nevertheless still crucial. In line with this, we strongly recommend that you keep the price in mind when picking your mobile and laptop soldering kit. Remember: there’s more to value than just the price alone, so be sure to consider how much you get for the money. Find the Best Soldering Kit for Mobile and Laptop Fixing Today If you think that soldering kits might be well suited to your mobile and laptop fixing efforts, it’s still critical to start out with the highest-quality mobile and laptop fixing soldering kits on the market. Fortunately, our top-rated soldering solutions are designed with you in mind. So, don’t chance it; make sure you’re equipped with the right soldering kit for mobile and laptop fixing – and this is where we here at GORDAK can help. We understand the importance of top-quality products, and that’s why we’ve put our all into developing a range of the best soldering equipment on the market. So, don’t chance it; contact us today at info@gordakelec.com or check out our product range to find out more about our soldering kits and how these might work for your needs.

Have you ever wondered about what SMD soldering is and how this might help with your own soldering needs? If so, there’s a lot to learn. Luckily, this is where our experts can help, and we’ve outlined some of the main things you need to know about SMD soldering today to help inform your decision. What is SMD Soldering? Before we go any further, we first need to define what SMD soldering is. SMD soldering stands for Surface Mount Device soldering. This particular approach means that surface-mount components are soldered onto printed circuit boards. Compared to regular through-hole mounting approaches, SMD soldering means that the component is directly mounted to the surface. This provides a unique approach that’s versatile and valuable for small soldering applications. In turn, this can offer a much more precise approach compared to traditional soldering processes. How to Get Started with SMD Soldering Getting started with SMD soldering might sound tricky, but fortunately, this doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, SMD soldering is relatively simple once you know what you’re doing and how to approach this task. First, you’ll of course need to order your components; a top-quality circuit board is highly recommended here to ensure the best results. You’ll also need to invest in a top-quality soldering iron or hot air soldering gun to get the best results from your SMD soldering efforts. Before you can go further, you’ll need to clean off the PCB thoroughly to ensure that it’s completely clean and dry; a little isopropyl alcohol will often do a good job in this regard. Once you’re satisfied that the PCB has been cleaned thoroughly, you can then begin looking at applying solder paste. Of course, how you apply the solder paste will generally depend on the complexity of your PCB, so if you’ve got a more intricate PCB to apply solder paste to, you may need a stencil. Luckily, if this proves tricky, you can simply clean it off and try again. Once the solder paste is accurately in place, you’ll be able to then start placing the components, which is often one of the more complex aspects of SMD soldering. Then, simply reflow the solder using a hot air soldering gun (or a reflow oven, if you happen to have one). Lastly, all that’s left to do is clean up your PCB and remove any solder residue. After this point, you should be able to then clean up the PCB and allow it to dry. Final Thoughts If you have been looking for a new approach to soldering, SMD soldering might just be a good solution. Indeed, SMD soldering is both a practical and simple solution for soldering, and this can make it an excellent option for those needing a new way to work on their own electrical components. In line with this, if you have any further questions or queries about what SMD soldering is or how to get started, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly experts at info@gordakelec.com. We’re here to help you find the ideal soldering approach for your needs!

Soldering irons are incredibly useful and versatile tools — however, it’s also easy to miss out on all of the great benefits they can offer. In line with this thought, today, we’re looking at some of the main uses for a soldering iron you should know about. Hopefully, this might just allow you to find the perfect use for your new or existing soldering iron(s), too. Soldering Irons Do So Much More Than Just Welding Soldering irons are designed for welding applications; there’s no doubt about that. However, while soldering irons might be primarily designed for this purpose, that’s not to say that they can’t offer a wealth of other applications, too, and this could make them excellent options to consider if you’ve been looking for a practical and versatile option. Of course, how you end up using your soldering iron will depend largely on your specific requirements and needs. Five Extra Uses For Soldering Irons You Should Know If you’ve always wondered whether your soldering iron had more potential than it seemed on the surface, there is some good news. The following five examples could all be potential uses for your soldering iron, too; just be sure to check with the soldering iron manufacturer that doing so is safe for your specific device before going ahead with these. #1 Jewelry Making Did you know that you can actually create strong metallic jewellery with soldering irons? Compared to regular jewellery, soldering irons allow you to create much stronger seals for your jewellery, making this a valuable option to keep in mind. #2 Sealing Fabric A worn and frayed piece of material inevitably loses much of its original charm and beauty. Fortunately, you can potentially overcome this struggle by sealing the edges of frayed fabrics, and a soldering iron can potentially help with this if you have a synthetic, non-flammable fabric. However, don’t use soldering irons on flammable fabrics, as this could result in them getting singed or even catching alight. #3 Creating Designs on Wood If you’ve been feeling creative, a soldering iron can allow you to create stunning artwork on wood! This simple process is a unique way to show off your creativity, giving you the chance to create bespoke, personalised artwork accordingly. #4 Creating Stained Glass Mosaics If you’ve ever seen a stunning stained glass design and wanted to recreate this for yourself, a soldering iron can be an incredibly useful tool. A sodering iron allows you to create breathtaking stained glass mosaics and patterns, soldering helping to hold the individual shards of the stained glass together. #5 Repairing Plastics In some cases, careful application of heat from a soldering iron can allow you to repair slight cracks and holes in plastics. In line with this, if you have a broken plastic part that you don’t want to throw away just yet, you could try using your soldering iron to fix it. Final Thoughts Soldering irons are undoubtedly great options for those needing a specialist soldering tool; however, don’t overlook the other great features and applications of soldering irons, too. After all, you might just find that they are exactly the product you have been searching for in a wide array of scenarios. So, from soldering to artwork and everything in between, be sure to keep an open mind on the benefits of soldering irons!

Soldering is a relatively straightforward process – assuming you have the right tools and equipment, that is. However, if you’re not sure whether you have the ideal tools on hand, looking at all of the different options could help. In line with this thought, today, we’re looking at some of the main things you should know about soldering irons and soldering stations to help you find the equipment that’s right for your needs, whatever they might be. Soldering Irons and Soldering Stations: Which is Right for Me? When planning your soldering work – whether that’s as part of a personal project or a business role – ensuring you have the right equipment to fall back on is hugely important. As part of this, choosing either a soldering iron or a soldering station could help – but which is right for you? What are Soldering Irons? Soldering irons, as the name would suggest, are small, handheld tools that are used in soldering activities. These devices feature a pen-like design and are usually plugged directly into a power outlet, allowing them to heat up quickly for rapid use. How do Soldering Stations Differ? There’s no doubt that soldering irons offer an incredibly useful tool. However, with that being said, investing in a dedicated soldering station could offer an even more advanced solution. Complete soldering stations include soldering irons and several other equipment, including a power switch for a controlled and energy-efficient power supply to the iron itself. They are somewhat more bulky, but this is made up for by the increased performance and reliability of such systems. Which is Best for My Needs: Soldering Stations or Irons? Overall, it’s not necessarily simple to say whether a soldering iron or a soldering station will be best since this will depend on a myriad of different factors. As such, this often comes down to personal preference. With that being said, choosing a soldering station might be a much better investment if you want the most reliable, accurate, and efficient soldering solution. This is because soldering stations typically offer far more insightful information than a regular soldering iron, allowing for much better control. However, if you need a tool that’s more portable and simple to use, soldering irons alone could still provide a good solution in many cases, especially given the excellent value for money of these devices. With that being said, you may need to monitor the soldering iron’s settings more closely, as the lack of programmable controls and monitors may leave you guessing a little more. Thus, if accuracy is important to you, a soldering station will likely be a better choice. Final Thoughts Choosing the ideal soldering equipment comes with numerous challenges, but it’s important to keep the different options in mind to help you choose the ideal solutions for your needs. Luckily, this is where we here at GORDAK can help, and our experts are proud to be among the leading providers of quality soldering equipment. So, don’t chance it; make sure you’ve started out with the perfect solutions for your unique requirements. After all, soldering to a high standard becomes so much easier when you’ve got the right equipment! Contact us today at info@gordakelec.com.

Have you been looking to find the ideal choice of equipment for your soldering efforts? In many cases, soldering can be a highly intricate process, and in line with this, it’s not uncommon for mistakes to crop up. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t have to stop you from finding the ideal solutions for your own soldering needs, and today’s guide is looking at some of the main differences between hot air rework stations and heat guns to help you find the ideal finishing equipment. What are Hot Air Rework Stations and Heat Guns? First, before we compare the differences, we need to define the main features of hot air rework stations and heat guns. Hot air rework stations are complete sets that are designed to make it easier to rework and remove old solder from circuit boards. Since these kits include all of the information you will need to do the work, they tend to offer a much simpler way to get started. Meanwhile, heat guns are very similar to hot air rework stations, but with one significant difference: they don’t offer a complete set, but rather, a single handheld tool for applying hot air. Heat guns offer a simple way to apply heat directly to a solder (and the like, making them popular options for those needing a simple and versatile solution overall.) How Do These Differ From One Another? As we’ve briefly shown so far, hot air rework stations are generally more versatile than heat guns alone, but what are the main differences between these two different solutions? Well, overall, the core difference lies in how the tools are used. Indeed, hot air rework stations are used for repairing and removing old solder, and in line with this, they typically contain all of the essential tools you’ll need to tackle this challenge. Thus, these offer an ideal solution for those needing a reliable way to remove and rework old solder. And, since hot air rework stations are specifically designed with this use in mind, they typically include the optimal materials and equipment options needed to remove or rework solder to the highest possible standard. Contrastingly, heat guns are not specifically designed for reworking and removing older soldering. While these tools can be very effective for this purpose, they are generally a generalist tool. As a result of this, they can also be used for a variety of other heated applications. However, due to their general nature, they tend to be a lot less precise than hot air rework stations; furthermore, heat guns may also contain nozzles that are not necessarily suitable for soldering purposes, which could leave you facing a challenge in terms of directing the hot air appropriately. Final Thoughts Both hot air rework stations and heat guns can offer a valuable solution for those needing a way to touch up their soldering efforts. However, there are undoubtedly differences between the two, and hopefully, today’s guide should have helped you learn more and make a more informed choice for your needs. For further questions, please contact us at info@gordakelec.com.

Have you ever wondered about how to use a hot air rework station? Using a hot air rework station shouldn’t have to be a massive challenge, but fortunately, these can still offer a hugely valuable solution in many cases. In line with this thought, today, we’re looking at some of the key things you should know about hot air rework stations and how to use them to help inform your own workshop decisions. What is a Hot Air Rework Station? First, it’s important to know what the actual function of a hot air rework station is. At their simplest, hot air rework stations are designed to help warm up solder, which allows for any excess solder to be cleaned up; alternatively, this also makes resoldering possible. Thus, hot air rework stations are often important in many cases for ensuring that your soldering work is completed to a high standard. How to Use a Hot Air Rework Station Using a hot air rework station is a relatively straightforward process. However, before getting started, we strongly recommend you closely check the safety requirements of using a hot air rework station. For example, among other points, always ensure you have the hot air rework station on a stable and secure surface and wear safety glasses at all times during operation. Once you have done so, power on the rework station, then allow the device to heat up to the necessary temperature. This will often be incredibly quick, so it’s advisable to position the nozzle of the system in preparation for this. Then, once the system is heated and the settings are suitably set, hold the nozzle close to the existing solder and gently apply the hot air to the area; the solder should begin to melt relatively quickly. This will then allow you to reposition or clean up the solder or the soldered part, as necessary; make sure you keep your fingers away from the hot air and the melted solder at all times, as these will be incredibly hot. Once you have finished with melting the solder and repositioning or cleaning up the part in question, all that’s left is to turn the hot air rework station off and allow it to cool down. Keep in mind that the nozzle may remain hot for quite a while after use, even with self-cooling systems turned on, so it’s advisable to take care when handling this. Finally, finish the job by removing any leftover, water-soluble flux and clean up the unit you have just finished working on. Remember, melted solder may solidify in a very short span of time, so you won’t necessarily have long after applying heat to finish the job. Final Thoughts If you have been thinking of using a hot air rework station for your soldering efforts, ensuring you know about today’s key tips could really help. Indeed, while hot air rework stations can be incredibly helpful, they may be of more limited use if you don’t know how to use them successfully. Fortunately, with the right approach, these excellent tools can be an ideal addition to your soldering efforts. If you have further questions, please contact us at info@gordakelec.com.

Soldering is an incredibly important process, and getting the best results from your soldering efforts starts before you’ve even got the materials on the bench in front of you. Luckily, our friendly experts have outlined some of the main things you need to know about soldering irons and soldering guns; hopefully, this will help you find the right equipment for your needs, whatever they might be. Soldering Iron vs Soldering Gun: What’s the Difference? Soldering irons and soldering guns might seem similar, but in reality, there are several significant differences that you should know. Soldering irons are small, one-handed devices that are used for applications needing more accurate work thanks to their smaller design and excellent versatility. In contrast, soldering guns are larger devices that feature a handheld design that’s more akin to a drill or driver. Which is Better: Soldering Iron or Soldering Gun? Both soldering irons and soldering guns offer a range of benefits, but it’s worth keeping in mind here that each is designed for very different applications. Soldering irons are a more traditional option, and their streamlined baton-like design can potentially make them easier to use in smaller spaces and for more precise work. They are also significantly lighter in weight than soldering guns and tend to retain heat for much longer. As such, if you’re likely to need a tool that offers long-term usage and solutions, a soldering iron may be able to retain its heat for longer without needing to reheat. Contrastingly, while soldering guns can be a little bulkier to use and may need to reheat, they do offer a wealth of benefits. For one thing, soldering guns tend to pack much more power than irons, making them useful for heavy-duty jobs compared to traditional soldering irons. Furthermore, soldering guns provide almost instantaneous heating and cooling, which provides a much more rapid option and can potentially help prevent injuries and the like from leaving a hot soldering iron lying around; the immediate cooling also helps. However, we should stress that this does mean soldering guns may stay hot for less time compared to soldering irons, so they may need to reheat occasionally. Which is Right for Me? Considering the aforementioned factors, soldering irons tend to be a better option for those needing a lightweight and precise soldering tool. However, a soldering gun is a lot more powerful and practical in many cases for its instant cooling and more ergonomic handling, making these options ideal choices for many people. However, if you’re not entirely sure which option is right for your needs, make sure to contact a professional soldering equipment provider to see if they can help. Final Thoughts If you’ve been looking to begin soldering, ensuring you have the necessary equipment in place is vital. Fortunately, today’s brief guide has outlined some of the main things you should know about soldering irons and soldering guns; this should help you decide which tool is most suitable for your needs. If you have further questions, please contact us at info@gordakelec.com.

There are multiple different types of soldering, and understanding these could help you choose the optimal method and materials for your needs. Fortunately, we’ve outlined some of the main things you need to know about the different types of soldering as follows to ensure you’ve chosen the right soldering material and method overall. The Different Soldering Materials and Methods There are three main types of soldering methods, and understanding each of these can help you find the perfect option for your needs. These are as follows: Lead-alloy soldering: The first type of soldering is lead-alloy soldering. As the name suggests, this particular type of soldering method is when lead is mixed with alloys; this helps create the necessary tensile strength and melting point. By creating an alloy rather than just using straight lead, the specific properties of the soldering can be more accurately and precisely controlled, depending on the requirements of the soldering. Most often, though, lead-alloy soldering uses a 60/40 tin/lead mix, which helps lower the melting point of the material. Lead-free soldering: Another option you could potentially consider is a lead-free solder. It likely comes as no surprise, but lead-free solders do not contain lead, and these are often safer options because lead is a toxic material; depending on where you operate, there may be benefits or incentives associated with lead-free soldering. However, these are often higher in terms of melting point and may come with additional complications such as tin whiskers. Flux-core soldering: As a third option, you may want to consider flux-core soldering as part of your decision. These are among the most specialised types of soldering materials, and they are made from wires that contain a reducing agent. The flux is released during the soldering process, which serves to remove oxidised layers and ensure the metal is clean. In line with the aforementioned types of solders, it’s worth considering that you can also purchase silver alloy solders for your soldering needs. Silver alloy solders can be part of either lead-based or lead-free alloy mixes, depending on the specific requirements of the solder. The ratio of silver in these types of solders can have a significant impact on the properties of the solder overall. Don’t Forget to Consider the Material and Core Type The main differentiating factor for soldering is the alloy or material used during soldering. However, you can also define the different types of soldering by core type. Acid core solders feature wires wound around a core of acid-based flux. Alternatively, you could find rosin core solders (which feature a mild rosin flux instead), or solid core solders, where the wires are solid and do not have a hollow core. Find Out More If you have been looking to learn more about the different types of soldering irons, today’s handy guide should have helped. However, if you need more help or support with choosing the right soldering process for your needs, contact our experts here at info@gordakelec.com for more support. As experts in the soldering industry, we’ll do our best to help you find the perfect solutions for your own project needs.

Have you ever heard about micro soldering? Micro soldering is a relatively complex process, but this shouldn’t have to prevent you from finding the optimal soldering process for your needs. In line with this thought, today, we’re looking at some of the key things you need to know about micro soldering, including what it is, how it works, and why it might be a good option for your needs. What is Micro Soldering?  First of all, we need to define what micro soldering actually is. Simply put, micro soldering is a when ultra-fine wires are joined through the application of heat, fusing the two wires together. This is largely similar to regular soldering processes. Compared to regular soldering, micro soldering works with far smaller equipment, making it often trickier than regular soldering with much more room for human error. Hence, micro soldering often requires a microscope to accurately solder parts together. How Does Micro Soldering Differ From Regular Soldering? As we’ve briefly mentioned already, micro soldering differs from regular soldering in that it works with very small and delicate parts – and this accordingly presents a range of unique complications and challenges. Of course, as modern technology advances, the prevalence of micro components is becoming greater and greater, increasing the demand for micro soldering skills. As such, it’s safe to say that micro soldering has become an increasingly reliable and popular option as a result. How to Micro Solder If you want to learn to micro solder, there are several critical skills you will need to master first. Of course, one of the main things you’ll need to possess is the ability to work precisely and with great accuracy, owing to the incredibly intricate nature of micro soldering. Furthermore, in addition to a steady handy and the ability to work to very accurate levels, you’ll also need to have the right equipment to make this possible. One of the most important tools you’ll need to micro solder successfully is a micro soldering microscope. Indeed, while most of the equipment will be the same as with regular soldering (but smaller), a microscope with up to a 10x optical zoom is crucial to make the soldering easier. Investing in a camera can also help you look back once you have completed the soldering to ensure it was carried out accurately. Final Thoughts If you have been looking for the right type of soldering method for your needs, it may be worth considering micro soldering to see how this could work for you. Of course, it’s worth noting here that micro soldering requires a very steady hand and caution due to the intricate nature of the work. Nonetheless, it can be an incredibly useful tool in many cases, especially for people who need a reliable way of securing wires and the like for micro components. As such, starting with the highest quality soldering equipment is integral to ensure you’re getting the most from your micro soldering efforts. Fortunately, this is where our teams can help; so if you need any further support with your own soldering efforts, contact us today at info@gordakelec.com!

Have you ever wondered about how to use a soldering iron? Soldering irons can be exceptionally useful tools, but knowing how they work is vital to get the most from them and avoid potentially getting injured while using a soldering iron. Luckily, our experts have outlined some of the key things you need to know about using a soldering iron as follows to help you learn more about these crucial pieces of equipment. How to Use a Soldering Iron: A Beginner’s Guide Using a soldering iron can often seem difficult, but this isn’t necessarily the case. However, using a soldering iron is relatively straightforward once you know how. Luckily, we’ve outlined some of the key things you need to know to ensure you’re ready to get started. #1 Learn Basic Soldering Safety Before you begin soldering, it’s vital to first learn the basics of soldering safety. Indeed, soldering irons, by their nature, achieve exceptionally high temperatures, and this can put operatives (and those around them) at risk. As such, make sure you know the basics of staying safe first, including the core safety equipment you’ll need (such as eyewear, gloves, and the like). Always make sure to use the soldering iron in a well-ventilated and spacious area where there are no trip hazards and the like, too. These are just a few safety tips when soldering; you may need to undertake a soldering safety course if you’re still unsure. #2 Prepping a Soldering Iron Once you have ensured all of the key safety requirements for soldering are met, you’ll next need to prep the soldering iron by tinning the tip. In order to do so, ensure the tip of the iron is attached tightly, then allow the iron to heat up. Once the soldering iron has heated up, wipe the tip with a damp sponge (don’t touch the tip directly!) Then, once the tip is clean and hot, simply touch it to the solder, allowing this to coat the tip evenly. #3 Prepping the Component Once the soldering iron’s ready, ensure it’s secured somewhere safe, then look at prepping the component. This is achieved by mounting the component, then heating the soldering iron to a temperature of 300 degrees. Then, heat the copper pad and the resistor lead by holding the soldering. #4 Apply the Solder At this point, you can look at applying the solder. Touch the solder to the joint (without moving the soldering iron from the copper pad and lead. Then, allow the solder to melt when touched; you’ll need to ensure the joint is suitably hot enough for this, as a cold joint won’t melt the solder well. #5 Finishing Up By now, the solder is nearly complete; all you need to do is remove the soldering iron from the solder and leave it to cool down slowly, before removing any surplus wire that may be left from the leads. Final Thoughts Although soldering irons are incredibly useful tools, it’s well worth keeping in mind that they can also be somewhat dangerous. Furthermore, getting the best results from your soldering iron use may be difficult without having an efficient process and a thorough understanding of how these tools work. If you have further questions, please contact us at info@gordakelec.com.