What Soldering Gun to Use for Circuit Boards
- Choose a soldering gun or soldering iron in the 15 watt to 30 watt range for most printed circuit board and electronic work. Using a higher wattage soldering tool could put the work piece at risk of being damaged. Soldering guns typically generate more heat than is necessary, and can create an electrical current that is harmful to the circuits and other electronic components. Cold soldering irons can also be utilized for this purpose, though they are not indicated for delicate work as they require pressure to liquefy the solder.
- Choose the right type of solder to maintain the best results in soldering electronic components and circuit boards. Acid core solder is capable of corroding board traces, component leads and other electronic elements, and may also create unnecessary conductive paths between the soldered components. In working with electronics, choose rosin core solder with a thickness of 0.75 mm. Using rosin core solder that is too thick for the application can lead to a poor soldering job.
- Surface preparation can go just as far as using the right equipment in ensuring a good solder job. Create a joint that is low in resistance and high in strength by cleaning all surfaces beforehand. Use lacquer thinner to clean circuit board traces and component leads before soldering for the best hold.
