I usually put a small amount of flux on the components or wire.

I feel that putting flux on stranded wire directly is both good and bad. Because the flux flows into the wire well before applying heat, which allows it to work better... But liquid flux can seep into the wire too far and allow solder to flow under the insulation.

I tend to use a thicker flux for stranded wire for this reason.

I have also applied flux to the outside of the solder, by dipping it in a paste type. This works well for solid wire and component leads.

Odd shaped terminals may need the flux applied to them first, to aid in flow.


Applying heat to the components, and then touching the solder to the components is the better method. It allows the solder to flow toward the heat, which it does better than flowing away.