Step 3. Prepare the wires for soldering

• To prepare the wires for soldering, we are going to use a technique called "tinning" the wires. What this does is apply solder to each end of the wire to make it easier for them to be soldered together and reduces the amount of solder you have to apply when soldering the ends together..
  
  • Take one wire (it doesn't matter what one) and put it between a clamp. This will hold the wire while you solder it together. You need both hands to hold the soldering iron and solder. You could also have someone hold the wire for you, but a clamp is easier and probably more handy then a second pair of hands.
    
    

    
    
    

    • Take your soldering iron and solder. Touch the soldering iron to the bare ends of the wire for about 1-2 seconds. Then touch the tip of the solder to the wires, not the soldering iron. If the wires are hot enough, the solder should flow between the wires.
      
      
      • Do not hold the soldering iron to the wires too long or you will melt the insulation on the wires. After the solder flowed onto the wires, remove the solder then the soldering iron. Repeat the process until all four wires are tinned.
        
      

      Step 3a. Solder the Wires together

      [*]Match the long end of one strand of wire from the light with the short end of a strand of wire from the extension. Using your tweezers, gently twist the wires together to hold them while you solder. Use your clamp to hold the extension wire as you did while tinning the wires.

      

      [*]Take your soldering iron and heat the solder that is on both strands of wires. If you properly tinned the wires, you will see the solder melt together. Remove your soldering iron and let the solder set (about 1-2 seconds).

      

      [*]Repeat this process to solder the other strands together.

      

      One strand of wire Soldered Together

      

      Both strands of wires soldered together

      extending the length of the wires