It may be something many of us have heard of, but few of us appreciate how to solder, what it is and just how much we rely on it.
Most of the electronic devices – including the ones we take on tour like our motorhome TVs – that we take for granted these days use solder to interconnect their internal components and hold them in the correct position.
Despite this, there are also very few people who have much knowledge of basic soldering techniques and how to solder things together.
That is a pity, because being able to solder offers you the ability to repair myriad things, such as connectors, to join wires together and to complete many other useful DIY tasks.
This article outlines the rudiments of what solder is and the skills needed for successful soldering – you can also check out our motorhome DIY guide for other tasks you can carry out on your ‘van.
What is solder?
Modern solders consist mainly of tin. Previously, high levels of lead were included, but since its toxicity was identified, it has been phased out.
The solder material selected has to have a low melting point (usually this is around 180-300°), well below the melting point of the materials that are being bonded.
Soldering
This is the process of heating the items to be joined to a temperature that is above the melting point of the solder and then ‘flowing’ the solder between those two items, where it will bond them once cooled.
To prevent oxidisation, a flux is usually also introduced to the molten solder. This can either be an external application, or by using solder wire with a flux core.
Equipment
Most soft soldering (the generic term for soldering that uses tin/lead) will be carried out with a soldering iron, which is placed on the items to be joined, raising their temperature to the point where the solder melts and forms the bond.
Soldering irons are usually electric, but can be gas if portability is required.
The soldering iron MUST be powerful enough to provide sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the WHOLE constituent parts of the job above the melting point of the solder used.
Failure to heed this very important point often leads to dry joints; that is, joints where the solder has not flowed over one or both of the two surfaces to be bonded.
For many larger projects, such as central heating plumbing, a naked gas blowtorch flame can be used, although of course, great care should be exercised with this, as the risk of starting fires is ever present.
Key considerations when you’re soldering
Materials to be joined
Not all metals can be soft soldered together. The materials that are most commonly soldered together are copper, brass and bronze.
Steel can be soldered, although not readily. Aluminium is not a metal that solders easily and should be avoided.
Gold and silver can be soldered, but usually only in the hands of experts, because their melting points are close to those of the solder being used and damage can result if care is not taken.
Surface preparation
All parts of the metals to be joined must be clean and completely free from any contaminants, such as paint and so on.
Setting the solder
Parts being joined must NOT be moved while the solder is setting, because this will result in a poor quality joint.
Acid-based flux
If an acid-based flux is used, residues must be washed away after soldering, or corrosion might occur at a later date.
Examples of soldered joints
Poor joints are usually the result of:
- Not heating joint for long enough
- Not cleaning the soldering iron and tinning (covering the tip with a layer of solder)
- Poor soldering iron contact
- Moving components before the joint has cooled down
Points to remember:
- Clean component surfaces carefully
- Make sure that the components are solderable metals
- Always use adequate flux or flux-cored solder wire
After some DIY projects to carry out on your ‘van? How about these?
- We explain how to clean an Omnivent
- Nigel Hutson explains how to go about fitting a a Truma 65 WP Solarset solar panel kit
- Want to watch TV in your ‘van? Take a look at our guide to fitting an external TV aerial socket!
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Motorhome, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. Double check any warranty is not affected before proceeding.
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