Apologies if this is not an appropriate question or if there are answers elsewhere, I am looking for a definitive answer which I have been unable to find.
I want to solder some heavy gauge, insulated, multi-strand copper wire (8 AWG) to a tinned terminal.
What would the correct tools and technique be for this?
I have tried 10's of combinations of solders, soldering irons and fluxes, but always end up with what looks like a dry joint, and/or not all the strands could be soldered, presumably because of what appears to be a residue on the strands from the soldering.
I would like to avoid using a flame torch if possible to avoid damaging surrounding parts. (Or perhaps some how shield surrounding parts from the flame.)
Best Answer
Soldering 8 ga multistrand is not a good idea. The problem is that, assuming you can get it hot enough to take the solder, solder will wick up along the individual strands, causing a fairly long region where the cable is essentially solid. The end of this region is susceptible to long-term degradation since it acts to concentrate any flexing stress and work-harden the copper.