How to Place the Wire for Circuit Bending

Circuit bending is a popular hobby that includes "bending," or short circuiting an electronic toy or instrument to utilize the circuit board to create new sounds. This is done by adding switches, new wiring and even audio jacks to the toy to allow you to manipulate the circuit board. The following explains placing wire for circuit bending.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electronic toy
• Heat-resistant surface
• Jewelers screwdrivers
• Batteries
• Alligator clips
• Switches
• Wire
• Wire cutters/stripper
• Soldering iron
• Solder

1. Decide on the electronic toy you are going to bend, gather the other tools you will need, and set up your work station. This should include a heat-resistant surface. If you do not have a heat-resistant surface, purchase a heat-resistant mat from a hardware, home improvement or craft store.

2. Gather the items you need and set up your work space. This should include the items listed in the "things" section; however, you may find items to add to your tool kit as you work.

3. Explore the circuit board with the alligator clips to find different bends you can create and attach to installed switches, buttons and body contacts. Once you have found a bend to use, install the switch, then decide where the wire is going to run connect the two.

4. Cut the wire and strip the ends. Take a moment to tin the ends of the wires by applying solder onto the bare wires. Once you have decided the route the wires will travel, hook one end of the tinned wire through the terminal holes and crimp to hold in place. You are now ready to place a little hot solder over the joint to hold it in place. Repeat this process for the circuit or switch the other end of the wire is destine.