soldering issue

[krank22]

I just got a trak power solder station and im attempting to solder traxxas ends on my batts and esc etc. Im having trouble getting solder to stick on the traxxas heavy gage wire. Is therea solder type that works best, and should I use flux also even if the solder is resin core. Thanks for any help.

[mark32]

Yes you always use flux get it hot and pre soldier ur wires

[ProfitOfDoom]

Im no master solder guy by any means,but I use a 60/40 rosin core solder and a old craftsman 30 or 35 watt iron with no flux and dont have any problems. I could stand to get a hotter iron as I struggle with some of the thicker wires going on motors,but I mainly use it for putting deans connectors on and off. Make sure you take your time and tin both items that are going to be soldered together,Like if your plug tin up a puddle on the connector where your wire will be going,then tin up your wire and put them in place and melt them together. Like I said im not very good but I never had one of my plugs come off while running or pulling them apart either. Maybe watch a few youtube vids,im sure there will be something out there that will help. Unless your using the wrong solder for the application,what wire are you using?

[krank22]

Its a 60/40 rosin core , but its really thick. Im thinkin maybe I should get some really thin solder.

[Greatscott]

Never had a problem soldering Traxxas Connectors, weird.

Are you tinning the wires and connectors before you try soldering them together?

Are you using electrical solder and not plumbing solder?

[ProfitOfDoom]

You could try that,mine is pretty thin "like a uncooked spaghetti noodle",,but your iron gets pretty hot and should melt it without any problem. Are you using the wide tip? and have tried turning up the heat?

[tdevilman2009]

I use a 3m rosin core from walmart an have no issues I do however need a new iron

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by krank22

Its a 60/40 rosin core , but its really thick. I'm thinking maybe I should get some really thin solder.

Lost of good suggestions so far.

As to your question, I usually use a solder that is ~1/16" in diameter. If it's more like 3/16" or more, that is getting large for RC use.

[04zrx]

soldering Traxxas connections has been a battle of mine also. Make cretin that you don't strip to much of the wire casing back and don't go past the line on the tabs with your wire. Tinn both the wire and Traxxas tab then solder together. There is no substitute for experience. Good luck don't give up.

[krank22]

Im using the wide tip. I am tinning both pieces. It just doesnt seem to tin the wire very well. My solder I have is probably 3/16" . ?? I think ill pick up some thin gage solder and see if that works. Maybe its just taking too long to heat thru the wire to melt the solder. Its definately an art form to master. Frustrating.

[Erin]

A trick I use on heavy wire is to tin the tip of iron, then hold tip under wire while adding solder to tip/wire at the same time. This seems to help the solder begin to flow through wire quickly, and doesnt seem to heat wire up as fast.

[Docwolf]

I always have better luck with a thinner solder on lower wattage irons. also make sure the tip is good and clean though I am sure it is if it is a new station.

[krank22]

Well. I went to the local hobby shop and got some solder they had. 60/40. .031 size. Worked awesome! They solders looked beautiful. My other solder musta been plumbing or something. Pays to have the right stuff. Thanks for all the help.