This DIY Guide leads you through making the solder connections on a piece of Heat Tape. We recommend the 40 watt soldering iron available from Radio Shack either in your local store or online (Catalog #: 64-2071) and the 60/40 Rosin Core Solder (flux built in) also available at Radio Shack (Catalog #: 64-005) to do this. You can use an extension cord with the female end cut off for your power cord. You will want a cord with 18 guage wire and one that IS NOT grounded (2 prong) unless you are an advanced user and are planning on using your heat tape on a metal surface, shelf or rack. If this is the case you will need to ground the shelf/surface with either the ground (green) wire in a grounded cord or through some other means. If you do not understand this then you do not need to do this yourself- seek some help!
Soldering takes a little bit of practice so if you have a small scrap piece of heat tape to try this on first it might be worthwhile to do so. If you are not confident you can accomplish this then we suggest you do not try it. A good connection is critical for safety!