How to Insert the Metal Contacts for Circuit Bending

Circuit bending is a popular hobby that involves changing the sounds of an electronic toy or instrument by rewiring and installing new jacks, switches and contacts. Inserting new metal contacts is one of the alterations you can make to allow you to get sound with your fingertips.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find or purchase the electronic toy you want to bend and set up your needed items on a heat resistant surface or mat.

2. Use the jeweler's screwdrivers to check the batteries and make sure a fresh set is in the toy. Take the screws out of the back of the casings to gain access to the internal portion of the toy. Be careful when opening the toy, as there could be wiring running across to the front of the toy.

3. Decide where you are going to locate the body contacts. This needs to be in a place where there is room for them on the front, but also enough room inside for you to be able to solder them in place and wire them to the circuit board. Drill pilot holes for the tail of the tack to go through.

4. Place the tacks in the holes and put a piece of tape over them to keep them flush against the front of the casing. Start heating up your soldering iron. Measure and cut the wires so they will go between the tacks and the desired circuits on the board. Strip the ends of the wires and thin both sides. Place one end of the wire in the hole until it touches the tack tail, then use your soldering iron to heat the wire and tack.

5. Melt some solder down in the hole holding the tack in place and the end of the wire to the end of the tack. Pool a little solder to cover the opening of the hole. This will keep the tack and wire in place when it hardens.