Soldering Techniques
Learn essential soldering techniques step-by-step: how to solder wires, assemble PCBs, SMD components.
Expert Author: David Castillo
David Castillo is an automotive industry expert specializing in vehicle electronics and stand-alone fuel management systems. He has over 20 years of experience in the field and owns a car repair garage and tuning shop.
David has many interests, like horses, science, music, and technology. When he is not working, you can probably catch him reading a book, show jumping, or making music in his home studio, full of vintage synthesizers that he restores.
Education
David obtained an intermediate degree in Electronic Engineering in 2003 and several certificates in Fuel Injection, Stand Alone Fuel Management Systems at different private academies
- University: UTN (Universidad Tecnológica Nacional)
- Expertise: Car maintenance, tuning, and electronics.
- Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Experience
David started working in his early high school days, programming, building, and selling computers to his classmates, which turned into a small business. He did an internship at a top ATM company where he reassured his passion for electronics.
When I was 17, I bought my first car, a Dodge GTX with a V8 318ci engine. This was a life changer; it was the first time I imported automotive parts to rebuild and add power to my small block V8.
-David
While he continued to work with servers and as a consultant for a slot machine manufacturer, he started to sell high-performance parts for his friends and acquaintances until he established his first tuning garage, which was initially oriented to American and ¼ mile racing cars.
The little tuning shop started growing to become a repair and tuning garage for vehicles of all types; however, David developed an extraordinary passion for vehicles from brands such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes Benz, and popular models like the Volkswagen Golf, Passat, and Jetta. He became an expert at diagnosing and fixing their problems and increasing their factory performance using high-quality auto parts from manufacturers from all around the world.
Today, David still runs his shop but is now more focused on pre-purchase car inspections and writing for Fine Power Tools.
Articles by David
Guide to Soldering Iron Tips: Types, Material, and Usage.
Soldering Iron Tips 101: Dive into the world of soldering iron tips and find your perfect match!
Soldering Iron Temperature
From heat-up time to tinning tips, learn all about soldering iron temperature in our guide.
How to Clean a Soldering Iron? Step-by-Step Guide
Uncover the secrets to boosting your soldering iron’s performance. Learn how to clean it the right way in our comprehensive guide.
Soldering Paste vs. Flux vs. Wire
Soldering is a fantastic activity that allows people to create and repair all kinds of circuits or work with metals to make wonderful art. As you enter this wonderful world, … Read more
What Can a Soldering Iron Melt?
Explore the melting abilities of soldering irons with various materials. You’ll be surprised by what they can’t do.
Soldering Irons vs. Gun: Which Is Better?
Why use a soldering iron over a gun or vice versa? Our comprehensive guide outlines the pros and cons of each to help you decide.
Soldering Station
Our detailed guide demystifies soldering stations, breaking down types, features, and prices. Find the perfect match for your soldering needs.
Hot Air Rework Station: Essential Guide
Need to repair complex circuits? Learn how a Hot Air Rework Station can be your secret weapon for precise and efficient soldering.
Soldering Station vs. Rework Station
Confused between a soldering and a rework station? Learn the difference, pros & cons, and best use-cases for each in this guide.
Butane vs. Electric Soldering Iron
Explore the differences between butane and electric soldering irons. From power source to application, we’ve got the insights you need
Butane Soldering Iron vs. Torch
See the potential of butane tools with our comprehensive guide. Whether you’re into plumbing, roofing, or soldering, we help you pick the right tool.
Soldering Iron vs Wood Burning Tool
Are all heated pens created equal? Unravel the differences between soldering irons and pyrography pens for optimal wood-burning results.
How to Make a Soldering Iron?
Do-it-yourself soldering iron guide: All you need to know in one place. Learn the science behind it and get started on your own project!
Soldering Fume Extractors: Do You Really Need One?
Learn the dangers of soldering fumes and see the types of fume extractors. Find out which type suits your needs, from DIY projects to professional workspaces.
Soldering Cast Iron
Soldering cast iron is considered by many an impossible task. However, with the right technique and tools, it’s doable, and it can be of great help when, for example, you … Read more
Essential Car Tools for Women
Car maintenance is not just a job for men. Great women such as Bertha Benz, Beatrice Shilling, Helen Rother, and Charlotte Bridgwood, among others, revolutionized the car industry with their … Read more
Essential Tools for Winter Car Prep: Get Ready for the Cold Weather
Preparing your vehicle for cold weather is essential to keeping it reliable, safe, and healthy. This article includes a list of must-have tools to prevent winter from catching you off … Read more
Pneumatic Tools and Their Uses in DIY & Professional Work
Learn about the different pneumatic tools and their uses for every task, from construction to DIY projects.
Advantages of Using Pneumatic Tools Over Electric Tools
Cordless power tools are cool. But did you know that air tools are coolers? See their pros and cons compared to electric tools.
Torque and RPM: The Dynamic Duo of Power Tool Performance
Dive into the mechanics of power tools with our in-depth article on Torque and RPM, and learn how to choose and use your equipment like a seasoned pro.
What Size Air Compressor Do I Need?
Say goodbye to guesswork – our guide makes choosing the right air compressor size a breeze.
Types of Wire Strippers and Their Uses
From Manual to Thermal, explore the vast world of wire strippers. Our guide breaks down the top types and their uses.
Wire Stripper 101: Usage and Best Practices.
Dive into our comprehensive guide on wire strippers, their uses, and expert tips on getting the best results every time.
Soldering Sponge vs. Brass Wool Cleaner
Improve your soldering with the right tip cleaner. We put soldering sponges and brass wool head-to-head. See which comes out on top!
15 Soldering Accessories & Their Uses
Your complete guide to soldering accessories is here! Learn about must-have tools and optional upgrades for precision soldering.
Soldering Defects and Solutions
Cold joints, excess solder, and more! Discover the top soldering defects that could be ruining your electronics projects. Learn how to fix them now.
Soldering Safety: Essential Guide
Be a soldering pro without the ‘ouch.’ Discover essential safety guidelines and tips for a worry-free experience.
All About Solder: The Ultimate Guide
Discover the ins and outs of solder with our complete guide. Learn about lead-free alternatives, the perfect melting points, and more. Start soldering now!
Soldering Iron Wattage: Powering Up Your Soldering Skills.
Uncover how soldering iron wattage influences soldering quality. Learn the optimal wattage for automotive and electronics tasks.
10 Uses of Soldering Iron. (Creative & Unconventional)
Learn surprising things you can accomplish with just a simple soldering iron, from repairing electronics and appliances to crafting custom objects and jewelry.
What Is Soldering Iron and Solder?
Explore the essential guide to soldering irons and solder. Learn the basics, understand different types, how to do it, safety protocols, and practical applications.”
Types of Car Jacks and Their Uses
From simple scissor jacks to hydraulic car jacks, explore the world of automotive lifting tools. Find the perfect jack for your vehicle maintenance needs.
DIY Floor Jack Repair Guide
Troubleshooting Guide: Fixing a Stuck Floor Jack with Ease. Discover expert repair tips to resolve lifting, staying, and lowering issues.
5 Hydraulic Jack Oil Substitutes That Work!
Running Low on Hydraulic Jack Oil? Explore substitute options and their pros & cons and also find out which oils you should never use.
Torque Angle Gauge: How to Use It?
All you need to know about torque angle gauges and how to setup and use one for precise tightening of fasteners.
What Size Floor Jack Do I Need?
This guide will give you the recommended floor jack size for trucks, cars, SUVs etc. It explains a simple way to figure out the size of floor jack.
F1 Wheel Gun: The Power Behind Lightning-Fast Tire Changes
A guide on wheel guns used in F1, NASCAR, and other Motorsports events. Find out how they evolved and how powerful these tools are..
Pin Detent vs. Friction Ring (Hog Ring)
Explanation on how hog ring and detent pins work and the pros and cons of each one.
Over Torquing: Hidden Culprit Behind Fastener Failures
If you’ve ever had a flat tire and visited a repair shop like Discount Tires, you’ve probably noticed the technician using a power tool to loosen the lug nuts. But … Read more
Bottle Jack vs. Floor Jack: Which One Should You Use?
Raising the Bar: A detailed comparison between floor and bottle jacks. Find out when you should one.
WD40 Alternatives (Lube, Penetrating Oil, Degreaser)
Effective substitute to the popular WD-40 Multi-use spray oil categorized under different use cases.
Impact Wrench vs. Breaker Bar
Learn when to use a breaker bar vs an impact wrench a and which one is stronger. Find out here…
Air Compressor Oil Substitute
Find out the different alternatives to air compressor oil and their pros and cons here.
How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet? (10 Effective Ways)
Highly effective methods of air compressor noise reduction are explained in detail here.
What Is an Air Hammer? 15 Handy Uses of Air Chisels.
All you need to know about air hammers, their uses, and safe practices are explained here in detail.