7 step checklist for Proper Soldering

In this post i gave the checklist that will be helpful to you while soldering.If you don’t know the basics of soldering read it here.

1. Prepare the joint. Clean all surfaces and conductors thoroughly with fine steel wool. First, clean the circuit traces, then clean the component leads.
2. Prepare the soldering iron or gun. The soldering device should be hot enough to melt solder applied to the tip. Apply a small amount of solder directly to the tip, so that the surface is shiny.
3. Place the tip in contact with one side of the joint, if possible place the tip below the joint.
4. Place the solder against the joint directly opposite the soldering tool. The solder should melt within two seconds if it takes longer use a larger iron.
5. Keep the soldering tool against the joint until the solder flows freely throughout the joint. When it flows freely the joint should form a concave shape; insufficient heat will form a convex shape.
6. Let the joint cool without any movement, the joint should cool and set-up with in a few seconds. If the joint is moved before it cools the joint will look dull instead of shiny and you will likely have a cold solder joint. Re-heat the joint and begin anew.
7. Once the iron is set aside, or if it loses its shiny appearance, wipe away any dirt with a wet cloth or wet sponge. When the iron is clean the tip should look clean and shiny. After cleaning the tip apply some solder.