How to solder is a must-know skill for every DIY enthusiast. For best results, you should get a solder station that allows you to control the temperature. But what is the correct soldering temperature?
We’ll take a closer look at how getting the right soldering temperature will help you get those smooth-looking joints.
What Soldering Temperature Should You Use?
The truth is, there’s no one-fits-all answer when it comes to this question. The melting temperature for alloy solder, which is the most common type of solder, is around 360 to 370 degrees Fahrenheit (or 180 to 190 degrees Celsius, if you’re accustomed to using the metric system).
So, your soldering iron temperature should be higher by 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 30 degrees Celsius).
How to Find the Best Soldering Temperature
If you’re still learning the soldering basics, it might take you a while until you’ll confidently set the soldering temperature before getting to work. To make your job easier, here are a few things you should pay attention to when soldering:
Solder Type: You can classify solders into two types based on their composition—lead and lead-free. A lead-based solder is a combination of lead and tin, and it becomes liquid at 374 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Because of health and environmental concerns, lead-free solder has become a popular alternative.
The lead-free solder has a higher melting point, at around 544 degrees Fahrenheit (or 230 degrees Celsius). For best results, you should check out Peter Vis' soldering temperature chart.
The Iron Tip Size: You should use an iron tip that fits the job. A large iron tip will have better heat transfer due to its large contact surface. So you can set a lower temperature. A smaller tip will not be as efficient, but it gives you more precision while soldering.
Additionally, if the iron tip isn’t clean, you’ll deal with an inefficient heat transfer. When this happens, the solder might not melt completely, and you’ll end up with “cold joints.” In this case, you’ll have correct your mistake by desoldering. So, clean your soldering tools when you’re done using them to make your life easier.
Your Experience: If you have a lot of experience with soldering wires and electronics, you can set a higher temperature. But if you’re just getting started, the high temperature might affect the components you’re soldering together, especially if you’re not fast enough.
Practice Makes Your Soldering Skills Perfect
Now that you have a better understanding of choosing the right soldering temperature, you can get back to your workbench. As discussed, you’ll have to test multiple settings on your soldering station until you find the right one, so stay patient as you master your craft. And if you still need some practice when it comes to soldering, there are more methods you can try to connect wires.
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