Which Solder ??
- Thread starter GuysMonteSS
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Thanks for all the help guys,I'm going to get some rosin solder tomorrow and start practicing.
Now this brings up another question,what size and what ratio of tin/lead is best ??
Princess Auto shows two different sizes,3/32 and 1/16 and two ratios of tin/lead,30/70 and 40/60.
Which one do I choose for automotive wires ??
Guy
Now this brings up another question,what size and what ratio of tin/lead is best ??
Princess Auto shows two different sizes,3/32 and 1/16 and two ratios of tin/lead,30/70 and 40/60.
Which one do I choose for automotive wires ??
Guy
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Also,another question.
I may also buy a couple of rolls of different colour wire.
What gauge is suitable for general purpose car wire ??
Guy
I may also buy a couple of rolls of different colour wire.
What gauge is suitable for general purpose car wire ??
Guy
I think most common is 60/40 rosin core.
You can get good deals on eBay for 100' spools of different color wire. 18ga. is sufficient for most automotive stuff; you can go 16 for peace of mind if you want. It's all about the circuit you are wiring (current draw, length, duty cycle, environment, etc.).
You can get good deals on eBay for 100' spools of different color wire. 18ga. is sufficient for most automotive stuff; you can go 16 for peace of mind if you want. It's all about the circuit you are wiring (current draw, length, duty cycle, environment, etc.).
In my opinion solder thickness is just personal preference. I would use either but I think the 1/16 is what I have been using.
As far as wire it depends on what youre using it for. I also prefer marine grade wire instead of the stuff you buy in the local hardware store or electronics place. Theres a big difference.
This is from an ad for Ancor wire. I buy all of my wire from the local marine supply. Its not much more money. I started using it years ago when I saw it used at my old job.
Sophisticated marine electronics and instruments only operate at peak potential when supplied with power at the right voltage, which necessitates high-quality wire like Ancor's Primary Wire. Ordinary automotive-type wire can suffer a loss of conductivity after a few months in the marine environment. Corrosion takes place, and corrodes the copper conductor, when the wire’s jacket and insulation are compromised by water intrusion. Marine-grade wire from Ancor is rated for oily and wet environments because its jacket is impervious to those conditions. Each strand has a tin coating for extra corrosion resistance (note the “silver” look when you strip it).
Vibration is always present on a boat, and will quickly fatigue and crack coarsely stranded wire. Ancor wire is Type 3 stranded, meaning that it has 5-10 times more copper strands than Type 2 wire, making it more flexible and fatigue resistant. It is constructed with premium vinyl insulation that is rated at 600 volts, 221°F (105°C) dry and 167°F (75°C) wet. It is also Marine UL-listed, and meets the highest ABYC standards for AC and DC use. Finally, it is based on AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire sizes, which are 6-12% larger than SAE gauge wire. So you get more current-carrying ability than from similar SAE wire.
As far as wire it depends on what youre using it for. I also prefer marine grade wire instead of the stuff you buy in the local hardware store or electronics place. Theres a big difference.
This is from an ad for Ancor wire. I buy all of my wire from the local marine supply. Its not much more money. I started using it years ago when I saw it used at my old job.
Sophisticated marine electronics and instruments only operate at peak potential when supplied with power at the right voltage, which necessitates high-quality wire like Ancor's Primary Wire. Ordinary automotive-type wire can suffer a loss of conductivity after a few months in the marine environment. Corrosion takes place, and corrodes the copper conductor, when the wire’s jacket and insulation are compromised by water intrusion. Marine-grade wire from Ancor is rated for oily and wet environments because its jacket is impervious to those conditions. Each strand has a tin coating for extra corrosion resistance (note the “silver” look when you strip it).
Vibration is always present on a boat, and will quickly fatigue and crack coarsely stranded wire. Ancor wire is Type 3 stranded, meaning that it has 5-10 times more copper strands than Type 2 wire, making it more flexible and fatigue resistant. It is constructed with premium vinyl insulation that is rated at 600 volts, 221°F (105°C) dry and 167°F (75°C) wet. It is also Marine UL-listed, and meets the highest ABYC standards for AC and DC use. Finally, it is based on AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire sizes, which are 6-12% larger than SAE gauge wire. So you get more current-carrying ability than from similar SAE wire.
BTW, I think just few basic colors would be all you need. I have red, black, dark green and blue in both 16 and 18ga. The local marine place has a few colors in 25' spools. I think the last one was $10. If I needed a different color I would have to go to a place and buy it by the foot which usually costs more. Or you might be able to get it in an assortment on ebay.
Thanks for all the help,I bought a Weller 260/200 solder gun and some 40/60 Rosin Core solder,1/16" x 1/4 lb;
My buddy Mark at the garage showed me how to solder and gave me a couple of learner projects and I picked it up fairly quickly.
He told me that I was one of his better students,LOL.Coming from him that is high praise.
I did solder some poorly done connections in my passenger side power window harness yesterday and it came out pretty good.
Next project is the drivers side and I will take a few pictures.
Guy
My buddy Mark at the garage showed me how to solder and gave me a couple of learner projects and I picked it up fairly quickly.
He told me that I was one of his better students,LOL.Coming from him that is high praise.
I did solder some poorly done connections in my passenger side power window harness yesterday and it came out pretty good.
Next project is the drivers side and I will take a few pictures.
Guy
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