What are you soldering? PC board traces? Copper plumbing?

quad flex to xlr trs connectors

I always get the skinniest they have. Well, I don't, but if you have none, it's a good place to start. You can always keep running more on the joint, but trying to melt the big stuff fast, or get big blobs of solder OFF the joint area can be messy...

Most hardware stores(Like the Ace/True Value kind) have a "soldering wall" somewhere. They have the little "tube" of Kester solder labeled "electronics solder". It would be just right for about everything electronic(Amazing, ey?)...

While you're there, pick up a 25 watt pencil iron, or a nice variable one(Maybe not at Ace?) with a thin "spade" tip(Or two or 4 of different profile.) and a 100/140 watt Weller gun. The goal is to heat the work as quickly as possible to get the job done FAST, before plastic starts to melt. Many folks use too low wattage a soldering tool, so by the time the solder starts to run, so has the plastic... Though the gun can be, physically too big and TOO hot(Experience helps here.). Then, always clean off the greasy stuff(Flux) after the joint has cooled(Give it a count of 30 before you move it, touch it or clean it.). Use Rubbing Alcohol or, better yet, "flux cleaner offer stuff" and a flux cleaner offer brush. PRACTICE on non-critical stuff first! Soldering is simple - once you know how(Like everything else...). Read-up on how to do it(The Weller gun, at least, will have a nice little "manual" with it...). Bet their web site does too!?!? An experienced solderer, in person, would be great for a lesson or two...

TG