[Hallicrafters] Replacing Caps: Right way vs aesthetical way

[David C. Hallam]

OK Listen up everybody we are going to have a little seminar here.

Back in the days when radios and TV had those glow in the dark things in
them called tubes and radio and TV servicemen actually replaced components
in them. There was a little thing called a Kwikette soldering aid.  It was
made by Sprague, interesting is it that they would do something like that,
although I am sure other component manufacturers had similar things.

A Kwikette was a small solenoid wound coil of copper clad wire tightly
wound.  The wire had a heavy solder coating.  The ID of the coil was about
equivalent to a 18 ga. piece of wire.  The directions say as follows:

A. Snip leads of the defective part about 3/16" from the terminal.  The
remaining wire stubs should be about half the length of the Kwikette
connector.  If the stubs are tarnished or dirty, scrape clean.

B. Slip Kwikette connector over stubs. Snip leads of new part to proper
length and insert into Kwikette.  If the leads are fine wire, overlap end so
wire inside the Kwikette connector  If leads are heavy wire, butt ends of
the wire inside the Kwikette.  If the Kwikette does not now fit snugly, it
may be desirable to squeeze gently with pliers to hold it in place until
heat is applied.

C. Heat the Kwikette with soldering gun or iron until solder flows.  Do not
add flux, do not add solder.  They are already inside the Kwikette
connector.

Now, we all should know that Kwikettes are no longer available and my
carefully hoarded supply is almost exhausted, but they can easily be
duplicated.  Purchase some soft copper clad wire of approximately 20 ga.  If
you can find heavy solder coated copper clad wire so much the better.  Make
a coil winding mandrel by putting a piece of stiff wire like spring wire in
a wooden dowel rod and drill a hole in the dowel to stake one end of the
copper clad wire.  Wind a close wound coil about 3/8" long.  Snip the ends
and you now have a Kwikette.  Your joints will have mechanical strength.
You will have to add your own solder when you make the connection if you did
not get solder coated wire.

All in all, a very simple process.

Good luck

David C. Hallam
KC2JD