Soldering instead of crimping

Solder and shrink tube....never have to deal with it again.

Michael

Thanks Mexico Wanderer for the info.

I just bought: 'Rosin Paste Flux, 2 oz' by Miniatronics Corp on Amazon

I found the metal flux brushes 10 for $2.99 at Harbor Freight

NYET on the "Naval Jelly". It's purpose is to convert one form of oxide to another.

Use a new razor sharp utility blade to scrape the strands to bright copper. You need to revolve the wire as you proceed to get all the oxides off. I use a paste flux after scraping. A few millions of successful soldered joints has convinced me I have not been doing this wrong in the last 50+ years. Zero failures sort of amplifies my conviction.

I am wondering if anyone has used Naval Jelly to clean oxidized stranded copper automotive wire 14-16ga prior to soldering? It's phosphoric acid. Has anyone gotten good results ie: ability to tin entire wire end not just part of the end? Thanks

Bianchi wrote:
Hi, Would there be any reason not to solder battery connections versus crimping? The application would be for a solar charging system.

Since you didn't specify wire size, I'm going to assume you're talking about larger size wires because you mentioned battery connections.

I'd crimp those and if the wire is #6 or larger, you'll need a beefy crimper. Also smear some anti-oxidant compound on the wire ends before crimping.

For more info, check Jack Mayer's web site.

There are many questions you should not ask less you wish to start a religious argument, Ford or Chevy, Crimp or Solder. To name but two.

I am told that in some situtations crimp is REQUIED, they claim it is more resistant to vibration....

Personally.. I like a good solder joint.

But I often.. .. Well, "Belt and suspenders" Solder the crimp on after crimping.

Thank you all for the great replies. The best I can do now is to pull both wires to see if they hold together when soldered. And use Rosin Core. My normal technique for clean wire is to tin both wires and leave a little extra on the wires then touch the wires together then touch with iron. Then shrink wrap. I need to do it this way unless I have something to hold them together. The next time I attempt to solder "dirty, oxidized" wires I may clean them with Electronic Spray or Naval Jelly. Can anyone suggest about using Naval Jelly? Thanks

pcmentor29 wrote:
Is Rosin Core the same as flux core?

Both acid and rosin are "fluxes".

Rosin core should be used for all electrical work.

When buying solder, look for Sn63/Pb37 alloy rosin core.

Jagtech wrote:

First of all, on old wire, its best to scrape the wire to remove any corrosion or oxidation. Then use a flux-cored solder (not acid core) for best results.

This works only on solid wire. With stranded wire you would have to remove the corrosion from each individual strand, a very labor intensive endeavor.

Is Rosin Core the same as flux core?