Solder wont stick: causes and solutions

Sadly, there are times when the soldering process must stop because it might not stick effectively. As a result, we’ll talk about the problem of soldering not adhering to wire in this article and suggest solutions to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

By using heat, a hot iron, and a lead- and tin-based metal alloy filler known as solder, two metal objects can be joined or fused through the process of soldering. In the fields of engineering and electronics, this method is frequently utilized for product production and maintenance. Sadly, if your solder won’t stick, your productivity could be seriously hampered.

Fortunately, by following a few easy procedures, many problems can be swiftly and simply resolved.

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Major causes of solder not sticking

Before you attempt again in vain, consider reading these top reasons why your solder won’t stick to see whether they relate to your specific situation.

Solder tip oxidation

The soldering process is significantly impacted if the solder tip has been exposed to metal oxidation. Check to see if the soldering iron’s tip has become oxidized.

If it appears dark, it has oxidized.

Your soldering iron is essential to the procedure, and if it is broken, your solder may not even melt, much less adhere. There will be no sticking if the solder tip has rusted. Its tip must be clean and oxidation-free, but that’s not all that needs to be done. The same holds for your working tools.

Solution

You need to clean the soldering iron’s tip to fix this problem. Start by setting the iron to its regular working temperature of roughly 572°F. After it is hot enough, you should add a solder that is colored like flux to the tip and await until the heat to ignites it.

With the aid of brass wool or specialist cleaners applied to the tip, this will trigger a chemical process that will eliminate any light oxidation.

Prevention

It is advised to cover the tip of the soldering iron with a thin layer of solder before putting it down to prevent it from coming into contact with the air as it is turned on. Holding solder to the iron tip of the as you heat it will help to guarantee that it is covered. At high temperatures, it has little air exposure and achieves working temperatures.

Oxidized parts 

Not just your soldering iron tip should be tidy and oxidation-free. The same holds for your tools of the trade. The solder won’t attach to the metal you’re working with properly if it’s unclean or oxidized. As solder tries to adhere to metal, it will instead stick to whatever is covering it, inhibiting the solder from really sticking to the metal.

Solution

The metal will probably need a thorough cleaning before you try to solder it if it is an older piece of metal. To thoroughly clean the metal for soldering, a strong flux is required. Using pink erasers to clean copper components will make it easy to lightly sand them before soldering because parts of copper wire tend to corrode quickly when exposed to air.

Prevention

Work materials should be stored properly to keep them clean and prevent them from oxidizing rapidly. This might not be possible to avoid with older materials. Nonetheless, provided that they are not left out in the open for long periods, materials like copper can be maintained in working conditions.

After being exposed continuously for one to two weeks, bare copper often oxidizes. Avoid materials like copper wire if you don’t want to have to clean them all the time, as they require more regular extra cleaning.

Broken heating element

Because it won’t produce the maximum heat output if the heating element is damaged, your soldering won’t adhere to the wire.

Although frequently overlooked, it’s a significant factor.

This problem is typically brought on by an incorrect temperature setting on the soldering iron or by the iron’s wattage being too insufficient for the solder size you are employing.

Solution

Check your solder material and try comparing it to the soldering iron’s wattage if you observe that your solder isn’t sticking. It’s possible that the iron’s wattage isn’t the correct fit for the task and it’s necessary to replace it with another.

Prevention

Keep in mind the materials required for the project you’re trying to complete and their importance. Before investing in larger soldering wires, verify that your soldering iron can melt solder to a suitable temperature for it to stick to the metal.

Metal is not hot enough

Soldering requires extremely high temperatures for both the metal wire and the iron tip. Both the wire and the iron tip need to be sufficiently hot to melt the solder and form a tight bond. Soldering fails to adhere to wires even when the iron is sufficiently hot to melt the solder but the metal isn’t.

Solution

Correct the insufficient heat. Once the temperature is high enough for the solder to melt and attach to the metal, hold the iron against the metal for a prolonged period. Depending on the size and type of metal you are dealing with, you can also heat the outside of the metal with a propane torch.

Prevention

Ensure that the metal has been thoroughly heated before ever attempting to add solder to it. While a larger item will take longer to heat up, little metal parts will just need a low-wattage soldering iron and will heat up quickly.

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Poor soldering skills

By letting the solder sit on the binding iron before using it, people commonly cause problems when soldering. Solder becomes less effective at adhering to metals as a result of the tin of the flux layer deteriorating and being exposed to air. Don’t allow the solder to build up on it before transferring it to the joint if you want to solder effectively.

By doing this, the flux in the solder will be burned off, making it difficult to successfully adhere it to metals.

Solution

Stop letting the solder sit on your soldering iron before applying it to the joint if you do it frequently. The only true solution to this challenge is to practice and learn proper soldering techniques. As you gain experience, you’ll become more aware of common mistakes and be less likely to experience solder separation due to improper technique.

Prevention

Go at your own pace. Don’t let the solder remain on the iron; instead, make sure that all of your tools and the metal are suitably hot before you begin soldering. The process should be simple so long as you use the right technique.

It is conceivable that the solder that came with the soldering iron does not contain rosin. If you are unsure whether the solder contains rosin, consider purchasing rosin core solder to see whether your issue is resolved.

Equipment for efficient soldering

Here are a few standard items of equipment you need to have before you begin soldering to guarantee a positive and simple experience.

Although all you mainly require is a soldering iron and some solder, these items will improve your soldering skills, assist you in maintaining your tools, and facilitate the process as a whole.

Solder sucker

A solder sucker is helpful for any potential faults because soldering doesn’t always go as intended, especially if you’re still perfecting your technique.

It can be employed to remove excess solder.

Just heat the solder until it becomes liquid, then use a solder sucker to remove it from the joint for a clean start.

Wire cutters

This tool works well for removing wire ends before soldering or for cutting solder strips. It is also a very affordable instrument. The most straightforward alternatives available will work, or you can buy a wire stripper instead.

Soldering stand

When used regularly, soldering irons can reach soldering temperatures of 572-752°F, which is too high to be safe. Get a soldering stand for your safety when using a soldering iron to avoid burns or destruction of property. Another inexpensive item that is necessary for soldering, especially if you frequently set your hot iron down to move objects.

Steel wool or a wet sponge

They must always be on hand when soldering to avoid oxidation problems on your soldering iron tip. You can use them to clean the iron, but if you need to, you can also use steel wool to clean metal surfaces. Brass sponges are an additional choice because a regular wet sponge frequently lowers the heat of the soldering iron tip and reduces its lifespan.

Flux

You will find that soldering will go much more smoothly if you have a tin of flux nearby. This chemical cleaner works wonders to clean metal surfaces and get them ready for soldering. Any current oxidation or contaminants that could have subsequently caused problems will be successfully removed by flux.

Protective goggles

Using safety eyewear is one of the simplest safety precautions to take when working with soldering equipment. Protective goggles are a low-cost investment that will shield your eyes from solder spills. Fumes that are released while soldering can be dangerous to both the eyes and lungs.

Always solder in adequately ventilated areas; if not, consider purchasing a fume extractor.

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Tips for efficient soldering

Ensure that the heated surface is clean

You must maintain the cleanness of the heated surface if you want to reduce surface tension. It is recommended to routinely clean the tips with solder and a sponge. For easy soldering, the tips should also be tightened. The surface should always be cleaned with an abrasive and fluxed if it has been oxidized.

Restore the damaged joint

When the metal components are moved before the joint has fully set, this problem usually arises. Heating the solder and letting it settle without interruption during the soldering procedure will restore it.

Make use of a lot of flux

One cannot exaggerate the significance of flux. The thin layer of corrosion is “eaten away” by its acidity. Because of this corrosion, the metal cannot come into touch with the solder as it warms up. Abrasives should never be used for cleaning the soldering iron’s tip. Flux must be applied to the connector and the wire.

Use copper wire

Choose copper wire from the available options because it makes soldering easier. Aluminum wire won’t be very useful for soldering.

Handle the under-soldered joint with care

The joint may not be adequately connected even after using standard soldering techniques. The soldering may not stick to the wire as a result. In this case, heat the defective joints and any previously applied solder before adding more solder on top.

Use a solder sucker

The application of the two boards is hampered if too much solder is utilized to connect the two boards. To fix this, excess solder can be removed between the two solder joints utilizing a solder wick, hot iron tip, or sucker. The solder wick absorbs the molten solder as opposed to the solder sucker.

Using too much solder can result in several issues that could be dangerous for both the user and the project. Too much solder can produce shorts when it bridges the gap between two components, making a solder joint excessively stiff and incapable of moving without breaking.

An overheated solder joint is produced when temperatures are excessive or the solder is exposed to heat for a prolonged period, as opposed to a cold solder joint with insufficient heat.

Moreover, an uneven distribution of the solder from an excessive amount of solder can make the solder joints weak and vulnerable to damage. Electrical components with too much solder on them may have temperature problems and other possible dangers that could result in circuit breakers or even fire.

Wet the solder pad sufficiently

A solder pad is the exposed portion of metal on a circuit board to which the component lead is soldered.

It’s possible under some circumstances that you can’t thoroughly wet the solder pad or surface mount of an electrical board due to a dirty circuit board.

Any time during the soldering process, not wetting the solder pad or surface mount may harm the system. However, by warming the solder board and adding excess solder to its surface mount, this problem can be fixed.

Potential dangers to be mindful of when soldering

Electric shock

Working with electricity when soldering presents a risk of receiving a strong electric shock if the appropriate safety procedures and techniques are not followed.

Ensure you’re operating in a dry atmosphere, dress appropriately without open-toed shoes or any accessories that can conduct electrical current, and always make sure your hands are protected with a non-conductive covering if you want to avoid getting shocked by an electric current.

Toxic fumes

Soldering generates hot gases that, if inhaled, can be exceedingly toxic. To protect yourself from harmful gases, always operate in a well-ventilated environment with a fan blowing away any vapors. Using a breathing mask is also recommended for safeguarding yourself from toxins.

Fire

Soldering irons have the potential to ignite a fire because of how hot they may get. You shouldn’t ever leave a soldering iron unsupervised for any amount of time to avoid starting a fire. Furthermore, keep all other tools and your soldering iron away from anything that can catch fire.

You may securely solder and ensure that any electronics project is finished safely and effectively by adhering to these safety precautions and being aware of these risks.

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FAQ

Why does my solder ball up and not stick?

There are a few basic causes why solder may fail to adhere to metal. Usually, the problems are caused by inadequate heat, and dirty equipment, which may eventually be the result of improper technique. Fortunately, these problems may be swiftly and simply resolved by following a few easy procedures discussed above.

How do you get the solder to stick to surface?

Once the temperature is high enough for the solder to melt and attach to the metal, hold your soldering iron against the metal for a prolonged period. Depending on the size and type of metal you are dealing with, you can also heat the outside of the metal using a propane torch.

Does flux make solder stick?

Flux does indeed aid in the solder’s adhesion. It is a chemical substance that aids in removing any oxidation from two surfaces so that they can bind. Moreover, it aids in forming an insulating layer between two surfaces, minimizing the chance of electricity transferring between them.

The flux aids in the solder’s adhesion to the surface but does not hold the solder in place. The flux evaporates when heat is given to the surface of the two objects being soldered, leaving a thin coating that holds the solder to the surface. For each type of solder to adhere correctly, it is crucial to utilize the appropriate flux.

Why can’t I solder?

Due to the heat needed when the solder melts and adheres to the components, soldering is a challenging procedure. The solder will not adequately bond with the components or connections if the temperature or procedure is improper.

The fact that different solders require different temperatures based on their composition and the metals they are applied to further complicates the situation. Moreover, improper soldering might result in wire or component fragments melting away, potentially damaging the object and necessitating a restart.

This can be particularly difficult when working with fragile connections because even the slightest variations in temperature or method might result in irreparable harm. As a result, it can be challenging to complete a soldering job that is efficient and successful and necessitates the highest level of precision.

Conclusion

A great degree of precision over a prolonged length of time is required for soldering. We now know how to solve our soldering issues, which is a blessing. I hope our post helped you find all the answers to your soldering problems.

Also Read About: Why Is Soldering Difficult Sometimes?

Aron Russell

If you have come to my page, then you are trying to learn the correct technique for welding various parts. I can confidently say that you can trust me. I have been studying multiple welding techniques for 20 years. In my youth, I got a job at a factory, where my acquaintance with this technique began.

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