advice on soldering [Archive]

Dickylew

19-03-2009, 08:50 PM

Im trying to solder wires and connectors to my new brushless motor but for some reason the solder just wont take to the motor tabs.
Ive cleaned the tabs and have tried a 40watt and a 100 watt iron.

Does solder go out of date?

Any suggestions.:eh?:

chris_dono

20-03-2009, 07:25 AM

when you say you've cleaned the tabs, did you use flux ?

I find that taking an exacto blade and creating a criss cross pattern on the tabs helps sometimes.

Dickylew

20-03-2009, 08:42 AM

ive lightly scored the tabs with fine sand paper to clean but the solder just wont adhere to the tabs.

I'm going to buy some new solder today as mine is about three years old so the solder mite be off, dont know if it has an expiry date but cant think what else it could be from stopping it from flowing and sticking.

colin563

20-03-2009, 09:05 AM

you want a multicore solder with a flux inside it

thanks colin

Doomanic

20-03-2009, 09:24 AM

Solder doesn't go off, but the lead free stuff that has been forced on us is shite. If you can't get your hands on any 60/40 leaded solder you will need a good plumber's flux in addition to the stuff in the solder. Powerflo flux is pretty good.

bald eagle

20-03-2009, 09:30 AM

B and q sell the 60/40 stuff.. a bit pricey... @ £6.30 ish, but the reel lasts a while...

Dickylew

21-03-2009, 06:59 PM

the solder ive been using is lead free, will try to get some with lead as you guys recommended.
Made it stick in the but am not happy with it as it looks real messy, think i will re-do all the joints with fresh solder.

Thanks for the help.;)

bodgit

23-03-2009, 07:55 AM

I use this stuff no probs
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SOLDER-REEL-100g-60-40-TIN-LEAD-HARD-TO-FIND-NOW_W0QQitemZ270358955161QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Hom e_Garden_PowerTools_SM?hash=item270358955161&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318

you can buy it in the quantity to suit your pocket

Chrislong

23-03-2009, 03:13 PM

Yeh we got some stuff which doesn't smoke and is lead free in at work, I took some to use (not stolen, they were sent loads of free samples), and it was garbage!

I have some lead 60/40 stuff, quite thick solder, not the thin stuff, and it is miles better. It smokes like mad and stings my eyes, but hey-ho.

Dickylew

23-03-2009, 08:53 PM

I had a look on the ebay site think i will get some of that solder only £2.99 and 60/40 lead, hopefully should wok better.

Thanks:D