How To Solder Wires Together (Sort of)

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/
Welcome back kids as some of you might know this video is a companion to the video I did on "Diagnosing An Overheat". This is how the cooling fan got fixed. I realize that some of you out there might be electronic wizards and know how to solder way better than this but my methods work and are way better than using those plastic connectors that just clip 2 wires together. My little tool works good in tight spots too, all you need is some house wiring and some alligator clips to make that happen.

Stay dirty

Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy. 

ETCG

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• soldering
• how to solder
• how to solder wires
• soldering wires
• electrical connections
• electrical
• electrical repair
• automotive electrical
• car electrical
• auto
• car
• auto repair
• car repair
• automative repair
• automotive how to
• eric the car guy
• ericthecarguy

[shiatstrom]

Eric, fellow tech here. Have the same soldering iron, I found if you "tin" the tip more it greatly improves the quality of solder joints made and the performance of this iron. Google "tinning". Great job on the vids, very thourough. Good to see that proper procedure and precautions are included AND explained properly in your videos

[EricTheCarGuy]

@shiatstrom You are correct but if you let others 'borrow' your gun and they don't tin the tip it gets very corroded and doesn't work worth a darn as you see here. I actually hope to make an updated version of this at some point as I've had a lot of 'suggestions' on this video. Thanks for the comment.

[kenman1717]

so thats the proper way to solder. heat up the wire from underneath, then let the solder bleed down through it. no wonder my solder joints always look like crap and i prefer crimp connectors and shrink tube. do you use the shrink tube that has the glue in it that oozes out the end and seals.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@kenman1717 Personally I hate crimp connectors as they don't make for good electrical connections, at least not as good as soldering. I haven't used the shrink tube that you mentioned but I'll look into it. Thanks for the comment.

[mrog71]

Thanks for the video. Very good quality and nice close-ups as well. Very Helpful.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@mrog71 Thank you, glad you liked it.

[EricTheCarGuy]

@USAFKING73 You sound like you need a girlfriend. :)

[Prancinglion1]

Hey Eric,  There were some really good tips in your video. Thanks for that. May I suggest using silicon to "Down Screw" your screwup wit the shrink wrap. Also, have you trid slicing the Shrink wrap and rolling it over the wires like tape... before you heat it?

[jcainaz01]

That's a great idea about the alligator clips. I'll try that. Joining two wires using my Helping Hands holder hasn't been working too well. I've got some copper clips which is supposed to be a good heat sink - I'll use those.

I appreciate the honesty of the video. I'm glad there is at least one other person who has had shrink tube problems.

[metricmine]

Nice tip with the tool with the aligator clips. All this time I never thought of that. I know you admit it's bad, but coming from an electronics background, I cringed when I saw that first connection :). Make sure the soldering gun is fully hot before applying it to the wire. First apply some solder to point where the tip meets the wire to help heat conduction. Then apply to the wire so it flows into the strands as you indicated. Make contact as short as possible, should be 2 to 3 seconds max.

[ktshoema1]

Should have just swapped the connectors the way you took the pins out... but its the thought that counts.

[iw3ioj]

buy a new tyco connector :)



[quadkid4]

hey. i do alot of wiring in cars. as in emergancy lights. most being LED's. iv been using butt connectors wrapped in electrical tape. should i start sodering joints instead?

[ligyro]

is this a joke? you fucked up both soldering joints, and fucked up the shrink tube

[dahveed284]

Thanks for the soldering pointers.  Your homemade tool there is a good idea. I personally do not like the crimp connectors. They're fine if you have a very nice crimper and exactly the right connectors for your size of wire, but soldering just works better.

[AirsoftShizsAndGigs]

Hi Eric! My name's Erik too but with a K, nice video, helped me so that I can do this soldering to my airsoft guns :D

[srtrcr]

Another tip if you have heat shrink thats to big. Cut some extra wire and just use it to take up space. Its not idea but its better than tape.