How to Solder Stereo Mini Plugs

Strip the two insulated wires and twist the shielding into a third "wire.", Slip the case over the wire. , Tin the wire with solder (heat it up and coat it)., Slightly scratch the connectors on the back of the plug so that the solder will go on...

11 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Strip the two insulated wires and twist the shielding into a third "wire."

    The two insulated wires are for left and right.

    The third, twisted one (made from the shield) is for common.

    Note, you will need some insulation on the left and right wires.

    If you strip them for their full length, they are likely to touch each other and the common wire, causing a short circuit. 2 or 3 mm of stripped wire will be plenty.
  2. Step 2: Slip the case over the wire.

    , If you aren't familiar with soldering procedures, look for an online guide. , Also tin these, but only where you plan to connect the cable. , Note which conductor on the jack is connected to the tip and ensure the left channel wire is attached to this one.

    If the wires are color coded red and white, the left would be the white wire. , Only use a tiny bit, or the cover won't go on. , You did slip the case over the wire first, didn't you? , All three sections should not be connected to any other section
    - even if you wobble the back of the plug around (as will happen during use).

    Check that the wires are connected properly.

    A multimeter with a buzzer is ideal for this, or you can use a homemade one with a light.
  3. Step 3: Tin the wire with solder (heat it up and coat it).

  4. Step 4: Slightly scratch the connectors on the back of the plug so that the solder will go on easier This way

  5. Step 5: they are super clean

  6. Step 6: and the solder will flow on nicely.

  7. Step 7: Join the common

  8. Step 8: then join the left and right.

  9. Step 9: Put some tape around each connection to insulate them.

  10. Step 10: Screw it all together.

  11. Step 11: Test the finished product to ensure that each of the three sections on the front of the plug have not somehow become connected to another section by a short circuit.

Detailed Guide

The two insulated wires are for left and right.

The third, twisted one (made from the shield) is for common.

Note, you will need some insulation on the left and right wires.

If you strip them for their full length, they are likely to touch each other and the common wire, causing a short circuit. 2 or 3 mm of stripped wire will be plenty.

, If you aren't familiar with soldering procedures, look for an online guide. , Also tin these, but only where you plan to connect the cable. , Note which conductor on the jack is connected to the tip and ensure the left channel wire is attached to this one.

If the wires are color coded red and white, the left would be the white wire. , Only use a tiny bit, or the cover won't go on. , You did slip the case over the wire first, didn't you? , All three sections should not be connected to any other section
- even if you wobble the back of the plug around (as will happen during use).

Check that the wires are connected properly.

A multimeter with a buzzer is ideal for this, or you can use a homemade one with a light.

About the Author

K

Karen Morales

Writer and educator with a focus on practical home improvement knowledge.

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