Soldering basics: five habits for clean, strong joints

1. Keep the tip clean and tinned. Wipe it on a damp sponge or brass wool and add a little fresh solder before each joint. 2. Heat the pad and the lead, not the solder. Touch the iron to both for a second, then feed solder into the joint so it flows on its own. 3. Use the right temperature. Around 330 C suits leaded solder; lead-free usually needs 350 to 370 C. 4. Aim for a shiny volcano shape. A dull, balled joint is usually cold and unreliable. 5. Ventilate and wash your hands. Flux fumes are irritating, so use a fan or extractor and never eat at the bench.