Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hey all

Need some help on a project with LED's I started on today.

I found it very difficult to solder Enameled Copper Wire to other wires. I tried stripping the wire by sanding it down, and scraping it with the back of a knife blade, but to no avail.

Anyone here any fool proof simple ways of getting the wires stripped ready for soldering which don't require special chemicals or a pot of solder (I'm working in the dining room...)?

Thanks in advance.

Haven't had call to use enameled copper wire in ages, but scraping with a knife blade is all I've ever needed to establish electrical conductivity. If you've also sanded, I wouldn't expect there to be any issues... At most, a dip and wipe with acetone (even drug store nail polish remover) should guarantee a clean surface to work with. If solder still has issue sticking, are you using sufficient flux (even basic rosin-cored electronic solder should be fine, I would think)? Are you twisting your joints together before soldering or just poking the ends into the puddle? I'm having trouble imagining why this wouldn't work, if there isn't some other issue at play...

Have you tried dipping the end in some acetone?

Should work well, I stripped enamel paint from some rescued minis and it just floated to the surface like snakeskin

Thanks I will try that.