How to Solder Stereo Mini-Plugs

Learning how to solder is a great skill to have and can be acquired after careful training and practice. One of the ways to put this soldering technique to use is by learning how to solder stereo mini-plugs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soldering gun
• Solder
• Electrical tape
• Stereo mini-plugs

1. Gather the materials you will need to solder your stereo mini-plugs. This should include a solder gun, solder, electrical tape and the stereo wire you are wanting to solder. You also need to make sure you have a clean, heat-proof work surface near a plug.

2. Strip the insulated wires (2-3mm only) and create a third wire out of the sheath. This third wire will become the common wire, the other two will maintain their left and right statuses respectively. If you strip the wire completely, you run the risk of the wires touching which will cause them not to work or to short circuit.

3. Tin the wire with solder by heating it up and coating it with solder. Scratch the connectors on the back of the plug to help the solder adhere. Tin the area where you plan to connect the cable. Join the left, right and then the common.

4. Apply electrical tape around each connection to insulate them. Be light on the tape, so the cover will fit back over. Slip the case back over the wire and screw everything together. Test everything with an ohmmeter to make sure it is all connected, grounded and working safely.