Classic Hifi Care

Hello Guys, Today I broke out my grandfathers soldering iron ( big Weller gun with he 2 prong tip) and was installing a power cord onto the power supply of the CG. I had to solder two wires end to end. First I tinned both wires. then I tried to hold them together and with the iron and solder together but the solder would melt and the wires would separate and I would have to start over again. Is there a tool or technique that I need to use or do to do this properly ? Thanks in advance. Hydro

It's always best to secure wires together so you have a solid mechanical connection before soldering. Secure first then do the soldering for electrical connection.

Chris Campbell

I use one of these when I need extra hands. It works great for soldering wires together or the little connectors that go on the fine wires for cartridges.

https://www.harborfreight.com/helping-hands-60501.html

Bill

I was taught to solder two wire ends together you would first separate the strands, then mash the two ends together, wrap the strands around each other for a tight mechanical bond, then solder. Don't forget to put some shrink tubing on one of the wires before you solder.

Hello guys. so in my defense its been forever since I soldered something, Here were the issues. I ended up taking a file to the tip and then I went and got the rest of the supplies and put the tip in the flux while it was hot and then put a nice smooth coating of solder onto the tip. I guess it's called being " tinned". I then soldered the wires by twisting them together then soldering them together the soldering iron tip was much more effective without the cruddy layer on it.

It is important to keep you tip clean, it makes for better heat transfer.

Bill

electra225 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2025 3:48 pm I was taught to solder two wire ends together you would first separate the strands, then mash the two ends together, wrap the strands around each other for a tight mechanical bond, then solder. Don't forget to put some shrink tubing on one of the wires before you solder.

I agree with Greg, this is the same way I make my connections.

In my old age, I find I get along better with my soldering if I dip the hot tip of the soldering iron in rosin flux first. I'd never done that until just recently. I saw the idea on a video I watched. I also like to cut the lead of a cap when I replace it, "J" hook the end, and make my connection like that. Nice, solid mechanical connection and I don't take the chance of messing up a tube socket or other unobtanium component.