Solder Headers to Wire...Without the Hassle!

Impress your wife by saying your going into jewelry. (Not really.)

It's more like a compromise.

If you're like me (and I think you are) you find that soldering wires to male headers is very annoying. First of all, if you leave the tip on the header for too long, it will melt the plastic holding it bringing it out of alignment.So, John Fattaruso developed this interesting way of soldering to leads. I personally find it extremely useful and very helpful.

Why would you need to solder to headers? Well, if you didn't solder to headers, then if you plugged a wire into the Arduino, Propeller, or even Basic Stamp, it would easily fall out. 

Step 1: Find Your Materials.

You will need:

Crimp Beads AKA Crimp Tubes (You can buy them here) (They come in four sizes. Sizes One and Two work best for our project.)
Male headers
Wire.
A board to test your finished project (Breadboard, Arduino, Propeller, etc.)

Step 2: Build It! Part 1

Start by placing the bead on the header.

Then, insert a wire between the bead and the pin.

Step 3: Build It! Part 2 - Squeezing and Soldering

Next, you take a good pair of pliers and then squeeze until the wire is fairly secure.

Finally solder.

Step 4: Done!

Now, you know how to solder to headers with some jewelry.

Your wife should be proud. (I think.)

As always...if you experience any problems leave a comment and I will try my best to help you.

If you did make it successfully well then...leave a comment saying you made it successfully!