[RE-wrenches] Soldering electrical conductors

[boB Gudgel]

> From: The Office of Tom Duffy <tom at thesolar.biz>
>
> About 28 years ago I read a study, by either Niehoff or Prestolite, on the
> pros and cons of soldering or crimping, heavy duty starter cables, for over
> the road trucks.
>
> The finding was, that a properly crimped lug made a solid (molecular)
> connection while solder did not make as good a connection because solder was
> not as good a conductor as copper. They concluded that the crimped
> connection carried more amperage and did so over the long haul.
>   

Good point, Tom.
Remember that "lead free" solder is a better conductor than the regular 
old 60/40 stuff.
Just needs about 25 degree C more (or there abouts) to solder with it.

I don't know how "rugged" it is mechanically.   Maybe better.  It 
doesn't "look" as nice of a joint though.

boB