How to solder 6B&S

[Ooops]

Hi all,

I have a D3 fitted with a basic Traxide DB kit fitted. It provides a rear external Anderson for a trailer connection and a ciggy socket internally. I'm making a few changes and I'd like to tap into the 6B&S and make a 6B&S spur behind the third row.
I have a 70W Hakko F888D soldering iron and a beast of a nondescript 220v point tipped iron.

I've had a couple of practice runs with slightly smaller cables of the size used in 30 amp fuse holders and its been a disasterThe wire sucks all the heat away and never gets hot enough where its needed so the solder never quite "goes".
By the time I get this far, the insulation on the wire has melted and rest of the of the wire is too hot to touch.

This is mostly with the beast iron as the Hakko doesn't seem to make an impression on the wire.
At this rate there's no chance of working on the 6B&S

So I'm looking for some tips and insights into the techniques and hardware that I need to employ in order to achieve a decent result.
I've no problem getting another iron if needs be, although as its only going to be used for a couple of jobs I'd prefer not to break the bank.

Ta muchly

[SimmAus]

I’m sure I’ve read here that the general consensus on these things is that crimping is preferred over solder.... good luck.

[Homestar]

Personally I’d use a crimp on cable this size, but again, that will mean buying a crimper that’s is capable of doing this. Inline, non insulated crimps can then be used to add a wire in - but this involves cutting the existing cable to do it.

I have tried to solder to larger wires before, but like you, found it isn’t easy so been using crimps for years now.

[casta66]

Do you have a jaycar near you? They are my go to place for questions like this.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

This is how I've always done it

Flite Test - Solder Thick Gauge Wire - FAST TIP - YouTube

[87County]

Personally I’d use a crimp on cable this size, but again, that will mean buying a crimper that’s is capable of doing this. Inline, non insulated crimps can then be used to add a wire in - but this involves cutting the existing cable to do it.

I have tried to solder to larger wires before, but like you, found it isn’t easy so been using crimps for years now.

.... or just take it to someone (e.g. friendly local auto electrician) and have him crimp it for you

[DiscoJeffster]

I used a blunt punch to crimp it/create bind into the cable then used a small blow torch to heat enough to apply some solder as well. Worked fine for me

[weeds]

I have always soldered all my 6B&S with a small gas butane flame........never had issues.

[austastar]

Hi,
Not having 4 hands, I drilled a hole in a piece of wood to hold the terminal.
Another piece of wood nailed at 90 degrees and a peg held the wire in the right position.
Thus, I used one hand to hold the soldering iron to heat the joint and the other to feed in the melting solder.
That worked fine, but if I did it again I would beg/borrow/steal/buy a crimper.
Cheers

[Homestar]

.... or just take it to someone (e.g. friendly local auto electrician) and have him crimp it for you

I am that friendly Electrican (not auto) so have all this gear myself, and yes, do quite a few things like this for friends. 😊