Flexible LED Light Strip - Cut and Connect DIY

[tulebox]

Thanks, the problem I was having is that the melted solder would stick to the ironing tip, and it wouldn't transfer to the LED pad.

[tulebox]

Do you have any tips for soldering wires to a LED strip? The contact points are very small, so I find it difficult to attach. And it's extremely easy to burn the strip. I would use a snap-on LED strip connector, but I need a single, long wire.

[LEDDistributors]

@tulebox I copied this from our FAQ page, I would add one more tip. You should pre tin the wire before soldering it.

Soldering Flexible LED Strip:When soldering the copper pads on the strip, you should take note of some helpful tips:

1. Make sure you have a good soldering iron, with a good tip.

2. It is a good idea to secure your Flex Strip so that it doesn't move. We place pliers on the strip to hold it down or use tape to secure the strip.

3. Let the soldering iron get completely hot.

[LEDDistributors]

4. Once the iron is completely hot, hold the hot tip on the copper pads for a few seconds to preheat the surface of the pads.

5. Introduce the solder to the tip of the iron (in the V, where the iron tip touches the copper pad. You will have to hold it there for a few seconds until the solder melts and starts to flow.

6. Once the melted solder has pooled on the pad, keep the iron on the melted solder to keep it liquid.

[LEDDistributors]

7. Take the tip of your lead wire and slide it into the melted solder.

8. Slowly remove the soldering iron from the LED Flex Strip and the solder should harden.

9. Test your connections to make sure your LED Flex Strip lights up.

Don't forget to tin your soldering iron tip before you unplug it. This will protect the tip from oxidation for the next time that you use it.