The untouchable wire.

[AJB2K3]

Ive just got F**k*d off trying to tin a bit of 4 core ribbon cable and after 10 min trying i give up.
I cant get the stupid wires to tin.
has anyone else ever found this?

[windoze killa]

Are you using flux? What sort of solder are you using? Is the wire new or old? Does the wire have interleaved threads (Litz wire)?

Try cleaning the wire with Isopropyl Alcohol and use plenty of flux (NOT BAKERS FLUID). Use resin core solder and not plumbers solder.

[Virus]

AJB2K3

Toss it in file 13, and take another one, or use something else.  ??? ??? ???

Will only take

[Mike11298]

Tinning should be VERY simple - just make sure you are using pre-fluxed solder (or have flux).

[MP]

I always use a small solder pot. Flux the wire end and dip. That is all there is to it. Nice clean shiny tinned wire every time.

MP

[AJB2K3]

Arg the problem may be flux after all. Im using maplins lead free solder and i dont think its got good flux in it.
Do maplins do pots of flux or is there someone else who does in the uk?

[windoze killa]

Personally I would never use lead free solder. It is crap and WILL cause fragile joints, I don't care what the manufacturers say. There is probably a reason why the defence forces around the world are exempt for RoHS of solder. Get some good old resin core solder and a small tin of resin flux.

[gogo2520]

hello
    I never had an luck with lead solder either. I suppose if that was all I did all day is solder i'd want it but for what I do i'll stick with the lead solder.
                                            gogo