Soldering 101: Difference between revisions
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*Perform a [http://www.tpub.com/content/neets/14176/css/14176_46.htm Western Union splice] without tinning the wires. The Western Union (or Lineman's) splice is a general-purpose splice suitable for joining wires of similar diameter (4 awg difference max). It has excellent mechanical strength, small size, regular (inline) shape, and very low resistance. Before splicing, cut and strip the wires. If they are stranded, twist them loosely so that there are no frayed bits in the way. | *Perform a [http://www.tpub.com/content/neets/14176/css/14176_46.htm Western Union splice] without tinning the wires. The Western Union (or Lineman's) splice is a general-purpose splice suitable for joining wires of similar diameter (4 awg difference max). It has excellent mechanical strength, small size, regular (inline) shape, and very low resistance. Before splicing, cut and strip the wires. If they are stranded, twist them loosely so that there are no frayed bits in the way. | ||
[[Image:Soldering 2.jpg|150px]] | :[[Image:Soldering 2.jpg|150px]] | ||
*Put a length of heat shrink tubing about 2" long over one of the wires. Move it out of the way, so you can use it to seal your joint when you're finished. | *Put a length of heat shrink tubing about 2" long over one of the wires. Move it out of the way, so you can use it to seal your joint when you're finished. | ||
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*Use as little solder as will do the job. You're not trying to make a big goopy ball. | *Use as little solder as will do the job. You're not trying to make a big goopy ball. | ||
*Slide the heat shrink tubing over your new connection, and shrink it. Use a very hot hair dryer to do this. You can use a lighter or your iron if you're very careful. | *Slide the heat shrink tubing over your new connection, and shrink it. Use a very hot hair dryer to do this. You can use a lighter or your iron if you're very careful. | ||
*Multiple splices in the same wiring harness should be offset in a step pattern (ie... don't put them all in the same place) to keep the diameter of the wiring harness down. | *Multiple splices in the same wiring harness should be offset in a step pattern (ie... don't put them all in the same place) to keep the diameter of the wiring harness down. | ||
===Links=== | ===Links=== | ||