What happens if you use too much solder?

What happens if you use too much solder?

Too Much Solder It is entirely possible that this blob of solder wets neither the pin nor the pad and is not a reliable electrical connection. The best evidence of proper wetting (and good electrical contact) is a nice concave surface as on the joint on the far left.

Should solder be reheated on a circuit board?

Should solder be reheated on a circuit board (keeping the same solder, not resoldering with new metal)? No, once solder cools it becomes brittle. No, you only get one try, the solder will not reheat. Yes, once or twice using flux but only with prototype boards.

What does a good solder joint look like?

A good solder joint will have a shiny finish to it, and it should not have too much solder. Typically the contour of the solder around the joint should be slightly concave.

How do I know if my solder joint is bad?

First, set your multimeter to continuity mode (looks like sound waves going out left to right in a cone shape). Touch the leads together and make sure the multimeter beeps. Now, touch the leads to two points on opposite sides of your solder joint. The multimeter will beep if there is continuity detected.

Why are my solder joints dull?

Really dull looking solder joints are due to “cold solder.” basically, if you try to melt the solder onto the part, rather than heating the part to *draw* the solder, it will not create a proper joint. When this happens, it looks much more dull than it would otherwise. Joints should be reasonably shiny, even lead free.

How do you keep solder shiny?

Here’s How You Get Shiny Copper Patina

  1. After soldering, clean your piece with patina and flux remover.
  2. When the piece is dry, mix a solution of 3 parts distilled water and 1 part ammonia.
  3. Dry the piece with a paper towel.
  4. Dip a paper towel into the patina and rub it all over the piece to cover the solder lines.

How do you keep stained glass solder shiny?

Then clean with 91% isopropyl (skin antiseptic) alcohol and cotton balls. Use only one cotton ball at a time and make sure to scrub the solder joints as well as clean the glass. The solder should look shiny. (Note: 70% rubbing alcohol does not work as well, but greater than 91% is OK.)

What is the process of coating a metal with a lighter of solder before soldering?

Before beginning the soldering job, apply a thin, even coat of solder to all sides of the tip. This coating process is referred to as “tinning” (Fig. 3).

What temperature should I solder circuit boards?

Turn on the soldering iron and set temperature above the melting point of your solder. 600°-650°F (316°-343°C) is a good place to start for lead-based solder and 650°-700°F (343°-371°C) for lead-free solder. Hold the tip against both the lead and contact point/pad for a few seconds.

Does all solder have flux?

It is possible to solder without flux but you must use something to help break down the oxides on metal surfaces. Most modern solder is made with a rosin core that acts as a built-in flux. If your solder does not have this, you can also use petroleum jelly.