Caught myself using the wrong solder gauge for years

I was working on a vintage radio board 3 weeks ago and kept burning pads. Guy at the supply shop asked why I was using .032 for through-hole work. He handed me some .062 and told me to try it. First joint laid down perfect. Been making it hard on myself for like 8 years without even knowing. Anyone else find out they were using the completely wrong tool or material for something simple?

3 comments

3 Comments

carr.lee20d ago

I mean sure .062 is better for bigger pads but .032 is fine for most stuff if you just adjust your iron temp and technique. Been using .032 for decades on tube gear and old radios without burning pads, you just gotta be quicker and use the right tip. Kind of sounds like you were maybe running your iron too hot or holding it on there too long, not necessarily a gauge problem.

kellyjones20d ago

Oh wow, so the answer was just "get faster and crank down the heat"? That's like telling someone their car runs fine if they just push it downhill everywhere. Guess I wasted eight years of my life on user error instead of buying the right wire.

emery_black20d ago

Right there with you. Same thing happened to me - spent years fighting with .032 on some old stereo gear, burning pads left and right, thinking I just had bad technique. Switched to .062 and it was like night and day. Sometimes the right wire is just the right wire, you know?