If you\u2019re new to soldering there are some things you should understand before you get started. Don\u2019t just jump into you first project: practice on scrap first. Chances are you have an old radio or some other piece of electronic equipment with wiring and electronic components that will allow you to hone your soldering and desoldering skills.<\/p>\n
Newer electronic equipment will be less useful to you because it will consist largely of surface-mounted components, but older electronics will have a ton of wiring and components within that will enable you to practice without breaking everything with one bad connection. After you\u2019ve had some practice you can move onto, for example, faulty cables or simple wiring (such as replacing a potentiometer). Once you grow comfortable with basic soldering tasks you\u2019ll be ready to tackle bigger and more demanding projects.<\/p>\n
Always remember to heat the work \u2014 not the solder. Rather than applying solder to the\u00a0soldering iron<\/a>\u00a0you should heat the part and then touch the solder to the heated part, letting it flow over the connection on which you\u2019re working. After the connection is well coated you\u2019ll remove the solder before removing the soldering iron. Let the connection cool completely.<\/p>\n