Soldering Fiddly Plugs & Sockets

Need to solder wire to small plugs and sockets? This will help!

Step 1: Building a Jig for Soldering Plugs and Sockets

Soldering small plugs and sockets onto the ends of cables can be very fiddly, frustrating, and time consuming. To resolve this, I decided to make a jig that would hold all the connectors I use, to make soldering easier.

For the unit shown I needed common audio connectors such as phono plugs, 3.5mm and 1/4" jacks, DIN connectors, XLR and Speakon connectors, and 9 and 25 way D connectors.

The self adhesive cable clips help keep the cables steady for tinning and soldering.

To make your own, you will need the following items:

1. Metal project box
2. Rubber feet
3. Self adhesive cable clips
4. An assortment of plugs and sockets
5. Small screws and nuts

Tools:

Power drill, drill bits, small flat and round files. Marking out tools

Step 2: Putting It Together

1. Firstly, check the data sheets for the plugs and sockets you will be using for the correct hole sizes.
2. Arrange and mark out the locations of the holes for the plugs and sockets on the top surface of the project box, taking into account visibility and leaving clearance around them.
3. Drill or otherwise make the holes for each particular socket or plug. File and de-burr the edges.
4. Fit the sockets and plugs to the top of the project box.
5. Fit rubber feet to the base of the project box.
6. You're done!