Results 1 to 7 of 7
Thread: Soldering 12 gauge wire.
-
10-06-2011, 01:26 PM #1
Soldering 12 gauge wire.
Any tricks to soldering 12 gauge wire? Redoing my tower wiring and was hoping to be on the water by now. Does not seem as if my soldering iron gets the wire hot enough to accept the solder
David
2017 Moomba Mojo Max Surf Edition, 2 Pair Wetsounds Rev10s powered by an SD2, 6 pair Wetsounds XS650M and Wetsounds XS12 powered by SD6 all controlled by a WS420. 2 Lumitec SeaBlaze X2 Spectrum underwater lights
SOLD***2008 Mobius LSV, Gravity III , Wake Plate, Z5, Exile SX65c's, Exile XM9s, Exile XI12D, Exile Javelin, Exile 30.2***SOLD
-
10-06-2011, 01:28 PM #2
Buy a new iron or gun, or perhaps a mini torch
Kraig - 2010 Outback V
-
10-06-2011, 02:17 PM #3
Might just need a new tip for the gun.
My Mom said I'm not allowed to get wet!
2008 LSV (sold)
2000 Outback LS (sold)
LLTR!!!!!!!!
-
10-06-2011, 02:50 PM #4
Certainly, the issue could be the wattage or tip on the soldering iron. It could also be poor quality wire. Using Solder Flux or resin will help the solder to flow around the wire threads and stick easier - some solder has flux in the center but frequently it is not enough or is poor quality. Generally, it is a good idea to "tin" both ends before trying to attach 2 wires with solder - basically heat each wire end and get solder to flow and when both are done then put them together and solder. Actually, though, the conventional wisdom with boats is to not use solder - use crimp connections - they even make the crimp connectors (butt and male/female) with heat shrink ends to prevent water egress and some have a solder band where the solder melts when heat is applied (on these I suspect there is not enough heat for the solder to stick to the wire so I certainly wouldn't pay any extra for the solder band).
Richard (LakePerson1952)
2010 Moomba Outback - Loving it!
-
10-06-2011, 05:50 PM #5
You can also try sanding/filing the tip of your iron to get rid of the oxidation that builds up and acts like an insulator.
-
10-24-2011, 02:45 PM #6Senior Member
- Join Date
- May 2010
- Location
- Muskoka, Ontario
- Posts
- 427
Weller WES51
I have used a bunch of soldering irons in the past and find this one to be the best, it also comes at a price point (esp. if you don't use it alot).
If its too much $$ get a 45 watt iron it should be fine. Make sure you clean your tip and "tin" it after each use to keep it from getting coroded.
Get the most wattage you can afford now. I find a higher wattage gun is safer as you spend less time heating the components. I have no issue soldering 12 gauge, I also don't have to tin the wire or anything, just apply heat, tap solder onto wire and wait for it to melt, than make sure it is sucked into the joint and not just floating on the surface.
Done.
-
10-24-2011, 02:50 PM #7Senior Member
- Join Date
- Aug 2008
- Location
- Cottage Grove, MN
- Posts
- 780
Here's what I use, it's the cat's pajamas...
http://www.tequipment.net/Hakko936-1...FYHe4AodWBZDKQ2006 Outback V - Gone
2008 LSV - Gone
2013 other brand