How To Solder Automotive Wiring

Here is a quick lesson on soldering wires and using shrink tube.

How to solder automotive wiring. Once cool inspect the union to ensure proper penetration of the solder. These I then insert into GM Weatherpack fittings with a bit of dielectric grease on the pins. Bend the ends of both tinned wires into a U-shape with needle nose pliers.

Do not over tin the wire or solder may flow up under the wires insulation causing it become rigid or you will end up with globs of solder on the terminal that will have to be removed. The solder should be fed into the cool side away from the heat which allows it to be drawn in smoothly by the heat transfer through the wires. Personally I prefer the soldering method.

Once the connection evenly turns the correct silver color of solder remove the soldering iron and allow the joint to cool. This process should melt the solder and coat both wires evenly. Use Rosin Core Solder when soldering wires the flux deoxidizes and allows solder to penetrate into the wire strands.

As a past Design Engineer and the current Production Manager at Painless Adam Sondecker has many years of wiring under his belt. Tin Plated Copper Plastic. It takes a little more time but it sure holds better than crimping.

The other safe connection option is the crimp connector being simple and easy to use they are popular however dont always offer the longevity of soldering. A few tips and tricks to use when soldering is to first always make sure you do not have a cold solder joint make sure you are using the right solder for the job and always make sure you seal your solder joint from all types of weather. During another project you pinched the wire in the door and now you have to replace it.

The most reliable way of joining two wires together is by soldering. Try sourcing some alli solder it may work for your particular wire. Some say its better to crimp them others only twist the wires.