problems with soldering

[glassdoctor]

To make things easier, you need to use an "electrical" rosin core solder. There are some different mixes... but basic 60/40 works well. But make sure it's rosin core.

Radio Shack brand 60/40 is good stuff, and easy to find. I would buy that before something from Lowes... but if it's marketed as "for electronics" it's probably fine.

You can also pick up a can or tube of flux paste to help even more when the solder isn't sticking like you want. You can get this at Lowes or Radio Shack, etc...

Tin the hot iron with a bit of solder each time before you do a wire, etc and that helps too. The bit of hot solder helps transfer the heat from the iron efficiently to whatever you are working on. Try using a "dry" tip vs a "wet" tip and see how long it takes to melt a soldered joint and you will see how much better a wet tip works.

[BrianG]

Maybe it's obvious, but DO NOT use acid core solder!! :)