StuckAtPrototypevideo

Do This Before You Solder Anything

August 31, 2025 · 12 min · 1.2M views

Hands clean a circuit board with isopropyl alcohol on a workbench.

What this video covers

Achieving a high-quality soldering joint requires proper surface preparation, temperature management, and heat transfer technique. Before soldering, clean metal pads and components with 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt and residue.1:31 Apply flux to the joint to assist solder flow, even when using flux-core solder, as it acts as a chemical aid for cleaner connections.3:17 Set the soldering iron temperature based on the solder type: 320°C to 350°C for leaded solder and 350°C to 370°C for lead-free, adjusting higher for large components or ground connections.4:53 To transfer heat effectively, clean the iron tip with brass wool and apply a small amount of solder to "tin" it.7:52 Press the tinned tip against the pad and component to heat them, then feed the solder wire directly into the joint rather than melting it against the iron.9:11 A perfect joint appears shiny and bell-shaped; excess solder can be removed with a copper wick, while cold joints require additional flux and reheating.9:38

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