Solder Sleeves

At Electron Speed, solder sleeves are the preferred method of joining two or more wires. This article details some techniques we use when utilizing solder sleeves:

• Trim one end of the sleeve to minimize any reduction in flexibility.
• Insert shrink tape in one side of the sleeve to prevent any moisture from entering the sleeve and causing corrosion.

• Fan out the strands of each stripped wire. This step is important when twisting the wires together as it promotes the intermingling of individual strands.

• Twist the strands of each wire together, intermingling the strands.
• Twist as close to the insulation as possible.
• Heat the solder sleeve with a hot air gun until the solder flows between the wire strands and can no longer be seen as a ring.

 

• After shrinking, the shape of the individual strands should be visible through the solder.
• Remove any excess solder that may have leaked from the sleeve and trim any excess shrink tape.

Try a box!

For more information on using solder sleeves, download NASA's inspection document here.