How to Use the Soldering Splint

Written By: Arthur Shi

Comments: 1

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

2 - 10 minutes

Introduction

This guide demonstrates how to use the iFixit Soldering Splint to secure two wires for soldering.

The soldering splint jaws can hold wires up to 4 mm in diameter. It has two neodymium magnets on the bottom, allowing it to secure against ferrous surfaces. The splint is made of heat-resistant silicone.

Tools

Step 1

Even though the solder will bond your wires together, intertwining the wires beforehand will create more surface area, allowing for a stronger bond.
Twist the wires together. If the wires will be under strain, consider twisting them into a Western Union splice.

Step 2

Center the wire splice between the jaws.
Use your fingers or the flat end of a spudger to press one end of the splice into a jaw.
Be gentle if you're manipulating thin wires to prevent accidental breakage.
Press the remaining end into the other jaw.

Step 3

Your splice is secured in place! Use your preferred tool to solder the splice.
Make sure the solder fully saturates the splice. If the solder doesn't flow into the splice, apply flux to the splice and try again. If the flux didn't help, you may need to turn up the soldering iron temperature.

Before you start: If you want to use a heat shrink tube to cover the solder joint, remember to slide it over one of the wires BEFORE you make the solder joint, or you'll have to start over or use tape. Place it a good distance so it doesn't heat up while soldering and seal itself onto the insulation. Make sure the splice isn't sharp after soldering, or it might pierce the newly added insulation either immediately or after some time, especially with friction.

After making a temporary splice using your preferred method, wet the iron's tip and touch the conductors directly with the tinned part. This is not for making the solder joint, this is for maximizing heat transfer.

After a bit, touch the solder wire to the conductor as you're still heating it, it should get wicked into the splice and flow nicely in there. Withdraw the iron and let it cool, you will have completed the joint.

If the insulation melts too much before the solder flows into the joint, you should try adding flux and/or raising the iron temperature

Guido Belluomo -