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How to Tin Copper

Tinning is a process used to ensure you get a good soldered joint when connecting copper electrical wires. A bad soldered joint can mean poor electrical conductivity or arcing. This often occurs if the copper wires are not prepared correctly before being soldered. Tinning involves coating the copper wire with a little solder, prior to actually soldering the joints. When the wires are soldered, the solder flows smoothly and evenly, creating a perfect electrical joint.

Things You'll Need

Soldering iron
Sponge
Self-fluxing solder
Sandpaper
Clean cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Heat a soldering iron to operating temperature in its safety stand. Ensure the tip of the soldering iron is tinned first before tinning the copper wire.
- 2
  Use a damp, not dripping, sponge or cloth and very carefully wipe the tip of the soldering iron. This removes any grease or old solder that may have built up. Remember the tip of the soldering iron is extremely hot.
- 3
  Put a little self-fluxing solder on the tip of the soldering iron. The solder melts and evenly coats the end giving it a shiny silver appearance. Put the soldering iron back in its stand.
- 4
  Rub a small strip of sandpaper gently over the end of the copper wire. This slightly roughens the wire helping the tinning process. Wipe the wire using a clean cloth or paper towel.
- 5
  Put the tip of the soldering iron onto the copper wire and introduce a little solder. Let the solder melt so it coats the wire then remove the soldering iron and solder. Let the tinned copper wire cool. Repeat the process for any other copper you need to tin. Don't forget to turn off the soldering iron, once you have finished tinning.

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