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As copper wiring is used so widely throughout our homes, the need to solder it may occasionally arise. Perhaps your kids have managed to dislodge a wire in an electric toy, for example. Soldering copper is a fairly easy task for the homeowner to complete, providing that they follow a few simple instructions.
Begin by laying out all the items containing copper wire that you wish to solder; plug in your soldering iron to let it heat up and put on all the necessary safety gear. Whilst waiting for the iron to heat, take a sponge, soak it in some cold water and wring it out so that it is damp.
Once the soldering iron has heated up enough, place the tip onto the wet sponge to ensure that it is clean. Then, holding the iron like you would a pen or pencil, apply it to the copper wire you wish to solder. Avoid touching the tip or even the heat shield around the copper wire at all costs, as both these areas are known to reach over 200 degrees Celsius.
When soldering copper, you need to ensure that you place the tip of the iron at the place where the dislodged wire and where it is supposed to go meet. Hold the iron in place for a few seconds (until the solder starts to flow), then remove it before you apply too much heat to the copper.
Carefully inspect your work as you go – the joint should resemble a small copper dome and be shiny. If not, simply reapply the iron to the spot and add a little bit more solder until you’re happy. Also, remember to regularly clean your soldering iron on the wet sponge to ensure that the copper joints remain clear of contaminants.