[Elecraft] Soldering crimped connectors is not a good thing.

[Stephen Shearer]

I would agree...  I crimp most every thing now.  The cost of GOOD crimp 
tools are reasonable priced...

BUT, a year or two ago, I found crimp lugs I was using on my ladderline 
were making intermittent connections and I was having a difficult time 
finding the problem.

The crimp was not working with copper coated steel wire... The steel 
wire does not compress.  Soldering "might" have helped, but I went to 
bananna plugs with screw compression wire connections I can re-tighten 
as needed...

steve WB3LGC

On 05-Nov-15 10:18 AM, Michael Blake wrote:
> While many people recommend soldering crimped connectors, such as Anderson Power Poles, it is not a very good idea.  The reason(s) it is neither required, nor desired, is partially as follows:
>
> 1. A PROPERLY crimped connection creates a molecular bond between the conductor and the connector that is more conductive than soldering.
> 2. The soldering process causes corrosion because even rosin core solder is slightly acidic.
> 3. The solder that flows into or onto the conductor (wire) causes it to stiffen and increases the probability that vibration or movement will cause the wire to break at that point.
> 4. The annealing of the copper wire is altered which also increases the possibility of wire breakage due to vibration or movement.
>
> It is absolutely necessary that the proper tool be used for the connection being crimped.  If you are going to use a crimped connection it is imperative that you have a tool that matches the connector.  If you do not have the proper tool then DO NOT use crimped connections.
>
> Michael Blake
> k9jri at outlook.com
>
>
>
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