Wire

[SparkyCal]

Can anyone recommend what type of wire to use for wiring components using solder on a circuit board. As you know, some wiring is very tight and delicate, so I am looking for something that is very thin and easy to use.

Thank you. I plan to order it from Amazon

 

[bertus]

Hello,

Amazon has a lot to offer:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=solid+hook+up+wire+kit&rh=p_n_condition-type:6461716011,p_72:2661618011&dc&qid=1588844878&refresh=1&rnid=2528832011&swrs=9940E9DC72EA541138B1152B0B52EA0C&ref=sr_nr_p_89_5

When you take a kit, you will have several colors, so you can take different colors for power and signal.

Adafruit has also a box:
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1311

For cutting the wires, I use something like this:
https://www.adafruit.com/product/152

Or you could even go for a complete tool kit including Breadboard, Cutter, Desoldering Tool, Holder, Multimeter, Plier, Power Pack, Soldering Iron, Solder, Vise, Wire Stripper :
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?mpart=136&v=1528

Bertus

 

[Harald Kapp]

For direct wiring on a protoboard I use magnet wire. The insulating lacquer is easily removed on the end of the wire with a hot soldering iron whereas crossing wires are separated by double insulation.
If you want to use colored insulated wire as suggested by @bertus m take care to use solid wire, not the stranded type. Stranded wire requires you to twist each end and to be careful when inserting a wire end into a via to avoid single strands to stand off and possibly create a short circuit. Can't happen with magnet wire.

 

[KMoffett]

If it is for point to point on a donut pad perfboards, I'd use 30ga wire wrap wire. Easy to use either insulated or stripped. If you go this way, get a good stripper that works down to 30ga. Several colors are nice but not really necessary. I do almost all my prototypes this way.

 

[WHONOES]

I agree with Harald. I have recommended magnet wire before. If you can get the type that has solder through insulation, it makes the job a lot easier. I've been using it for many years.

 

[SparkyCal]

Thanks. I think I will get an assorted kit for future uses, but I am intetrested in what has been said about magnet wire. What does solder through insulation mean? and how does it make the job easier?

Thank-you to all

by the way, I am located in Canada, Usually I can get many products via Amazon. But there are a few sites outside of Amazon that do not ship to Canada.

 

[bertus]

Hello,

The magnet wire is covered with enamel.
Enamel will melt at the temperature of your soldering iron.
https://hackaday.com/2020/03/09/dont-scrape-magnet-wire-do-this-instead/
You can search for magnet wire or enamel wire.
https://www.google.com/search?as_st...tesearch=&safe=images&as_filetype=&as_rights=
https://www.google.com/search?as_st...tesearch=&safe=images&as_filetype=&as_rights=

Bertus

 

[SparkyCal]

Thanks. So in practical terms, when I solder one end of the wire, it should solder fairly easily, but the remaining part of the wire will remain insulated?

Forget this question. It was answered with the link you provided. Should have read that first.

Thanks

 

[dave9]

I don't use wire on perfboard much but when I do, I usually use solid network cable wire because I have salvaged a lot of it. Of course it is going to oxidize long term and the gauge can't carry much current but neither if these things bother me much if doing a quick 'n dirty perfboard build.

One nice thing about it is that the insulation (polypropylene? not sure but it isn't vinyl based) seems to do a better job than some at keeping oxygen out, it is very bright/clean copper compared to some other wire types, takes solder very readily.

 

[SparkyCal]

Hi folks. I received my amazon order for enamelled wire. I bought a role of it, I think it is 28 gauge. It is blood red in. color, making it easy to see. I wish i would have known about this long ago. It makes connecting things so much easier and minimizes the chance of shorts.

The only annoyance, is stripping the ends to make the connections. Any advice? I know the link suggests using a blob of solder, but I found that a little cumbersome. I am using a knife that I put pressure on, while the wire is on a flat surface. is there an easier way, or a special tool?

 

[duke37]

I sometimes use a folded piece of emery paper. Old wire can have the insulation removed with a candle flame.
You can get solderable wire where the insulation is removed by the hot solder. This is almost mandatory with small diameter wires.

 

[WHONOES]

You need to get the soldering iron very hot, I run mine at 400degC, then the insulation assuming you have the correct type, will burn off quite quickly. A little practice may be beneficial.
Note: Not all magnet wire has insulation that you can solder through.