Electronics Assembler how-to

How to Make a Perfect Solder Joint

Good joints make reliable products.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Good joints make reliable products. In short: clean; heat; feed, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Clean the tip.

  2. Heat pad and lead.

  3. Feed solder to the joint.

  4. Remove solder, then iron.

  5. Let cool without moving.

  6. Inspect for a shiny cone.

Safety reminders for electronics assemblers

  • Ventilate soldering fumes
  • Use ESD protection
  • Wear eye protection
  • Prevent burns

PCB · Through-hole · SMT · Solder joint · Flux · Cold joint: see the full electronics assembler glossary.

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