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

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

Hi, we closed this thread last week. There is also a ton of past searchable info 
on APP connectors, crimping vs soldering etc. the list archives. See:

http://www.elecraft.com/elist.html

73,

Eric
Moderator on occasion..
/elecraft.com/

On 11/9/2015 11:14 AM, Stephen Shearer wrote:
> 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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