I actually prefer 12AWG but finding the color you want in 12 is nearly impossible so you have to take what you can get.

The key to proper soldering is Tinning, Tinning, TINNING!!!


To tin properly you must apply heat to the exposed lead and then place the solder between it and the tip until it begins to soak into the wire. once this process begins, you want to quickly begin feeding solder over the top of the wire so it absorbs into the strands. Once this is done you will have to flip the lead over and do the same as the bottom almost never tins all the way through. Don't know why, but for some reason, the laws of gravity don't apply here. LOL

You also don't want to apply too much as it will simply continue to absorb further up the strand, stiffening it far up the lead which is counter intuitive to the desired flexibility. There's no point in buying soft, flexible wire if you're going to make it rigid.

Once properly tinned, you then place just enough solder to the point the lead will solder to and then apply heat to both simultaneously and then remove the iron and hold firmly in place until it cools. I like to use insulated alligator clips to hold my leads as they don't apply much pressure on the wire and the insulation ensures I won't feel any heat on my fingers!!!

My old iron burnt out and I was in a pinch so I picked up a cheap 60 watt Hobbico Iron from my LHS and it worked superbly. All you have to do is properly tin the tip every time you turn it on and it's good for many soldering jobs. When it corrodes, buy a new tip for $4.