If you are interesting in making handmade jewelry or building computers and other electrical components, learning how to use a soldering gun is a worthwhile endeavor. A soldering gun is a tool that can be used to join various metal components with a melted tin-lead fusible alloy. The user must manually regulate the temperature in a soldering gun by holding the tool’s button until the solder melts, then releasing until the solder begins to solidify.
To solder, place the tip of the soldering gun directly against the area to be soldered and carefully apply the hot solder to the area where the soldering gun touches the metal. Only apply the minimum amount of solder needed to set the connection; excess solder will run into the other components of your project. Never blow on the hot solder or try to use the connection before it is completely cooled. This will create small fractures in the metal joint and weaken the bond between pieces.
If a soldering connection has been done properly, the solder will be bright and smooth. Poor soldering connections are often have sharp points or ridges and are rough, flaky, or grainy looking. If a connection is made incorrectly, you’ll need to use a de-soldering braid or a solder sucker to remove the solder and reconnect the components.
One of the most common mistakes beginners make when soldering is failing to keep the soldering gun and the components to be joined free of dirt or debris. Trying to solder components that haven’t been cleaned properly will result in weak connections. If the tip if the gun is not cleaned correctly, oxidation and deterioration may occur. Periodically running a lightly moistened cloth across the soldering gun during a lengthy work session is the best way to ensure crisp connections. However, you can also purchase special sponges and cleaning pads to care for your soldering gun.
Since traditional soldering guns can be dangerous if not used properly, many hobbyists turn to the Cold Heat Soldering Tool for their soldering needs. This battery-operated, cordless soldering gun reaches a temperature of 500 degrees, yet is cool tool to the touch just seconds after use. Since the heat is created within the special proprietary bevel tip, the Cold Heat Soldering Tool is said to be 20 times more efficient than a standard soldering gun. Optional chisel and conical tips are available to use with this type of soldering gun.