Soldering 2 wires together !!!!

[Hydrolastic]

Hello Guys, Today I broke out my grandfathers soldering iron ( big Weller gun with he 2 prong tip) and was installing a power cord onto the power supply of the CG. I had to solder two wires end to end. First I tinned both wires. then I tried to hold them together and with the iron and solder together but the solder would melt and the wires would separate and I would have to start over again. Is there a tool or technique that I need to use or do to do this properly ? Thanks in advance. Hydro

[TC Chris]

It's always best to secure wires together so you have a solid mechanical connection before soldering. Secure first then do the soldering for electrical connection.

Chris Campbell

[William]

I use one of these when I need extra hands. It works great for soldering wires together or the little connectors that go on the fine wires for cartridges.

https://www.harborfreight.com/helping-hands-60501.html

Bill

[electra225]

I was taught to solder two wire ends together you would first separate the strands, then mash the two ends together, wrap the strands around each other for a tight mechanical bond, then solder. Don't forget to put some shrink tubing on one of the wires before you solder.

[Hydrolastic]

Hello guys. so in my defense its been forever since I soldered something, Here were the issues. I ended up taking a file to the tip and then I went and got the rest of the supplies and put the tip in the flux while it was hot and then put a nice smooth coating of solder onto the tip. I guess it's called being " tinned". I then soldered the wires by twisting them together then soldering them together the soldering iron tip was much more effective without the cruddy layer on it.

[William]

It is important to keep you tip clean, it makes for better heat transfer.

Bill

[MEZLAW]

I was taught to solder two wire ends together you would first separate the strands, then mash the two ends together, wrap the strands around each other for a tight mechanical bond, then solder. Don't forget to put some shrink tubing on one of the wires before you solder.

I agree with Greg, this is the same way I make my connections.

[electra225]

In my old age, I find I get along better with my soldering if I dip the hot tip of the soldering iron in rosin flux first. I'd never done that until just recently. I saw the idea on a video I watched. I also like to cut the lead of a cap when I replace it, "J" hook the end, and make my connection like that. Nice, solid mechanical connection and I don't take the chance of messing up a tube socket or other unobtanium component.