Club 80-90 Forums

I'm finally going to replace the big cable from battery to starter and on to alternator. I'm going to solder the lug on to cable. Can anyone recommend a gas soldering iron that's up to the job. They start very cheap but I don't want something that's total rubbish as I'm weeding out my crappy tools and gradually replacing with better stuff

For big stuff like that I use a blow torch, one of the smaller one that kitchen chefs use, warm up the joint enough to allow the solder to flow in but not direct heat that just melts the solder so it drops onto the floor!

I also use it for lighting my bbq, defrosting my padlocks and general warming jobs - invaluable!

A unexpected and generous present from me to my wife coming up.

I have a cheap Aldi one. Its good, but never soldered big wires with it. I saw a vid on youtube about soldering lugs on thick cables. They used a blow torch and heated the lug and put on solder and cable after heating it up to temp.

I've recently picked up an iroda solderpro from Maplin. Not used as yet other than to fill up and test burn. Seems alright and with a much reduced price tag.

I have a similar job to do, would you be using solder slugs/pellets? I'm struggling as to where I can get them in small quantities.

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Not sure. I did notice that Brickwerks sell a device that is whacked with a hammer to crimp large cables. Not sure whether that method is as good as soldering

No current car manufacturers solder wires

Sir Brixalot wrote:Not sure. I did notice that Brickwerks sell a device that is whacked with a hammer to crimp large cables. Not sure whether that method is as good as soldering

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/hardware/t ... inals.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

itchyfeet wrote:No current car manufacturers solder wires

I wish that I had saved the corroded terminals from my alternator on the van and battery terminals from my boat - CRIMPS ARE CARP in hostile environments. When a crimper makes joints that don't allow moisture to wick up inside I will be long in my grave! Keep crimps inside a vehicle where they belong.

Oldiebut goodie wrote:

itchyfeet wrote:No current car manufacturers solder wires

I wish that I had saved the corroded terminals from my alternator on the van and battery terminals from my boat - CRIMPS ARE CARP in hostile environments. When a crimper makes joints that don't allow moisture to wick up inside I will be long in my grave! Keep crimps inside a vehicle where they belong.

As you are working on avw van not a boat do as all manufacturers do and crimp. Make sure you completly fill the bucket with wire and trim off any excess when you pack the bucket out. You can use shrink sleeve to protect your crimp. If possible with glue lined shrink sleeve.
You can get quite cheap crimp tools like these
https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEAVY-DUTY-08- ... 239541c1a9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Oldiebut goodie wrote:

itchyfeet wrote:No current car manufacturers solder wires

I wish that I had saved the corroded terminals from my alternator on the van and battery terminals from my boat - CRIMPS ARE CARP in hostile environments. When a crimper makes joints that don't allow moisture to wick up inside I will be long in my grave! Keep crimps inside a vehicle where they belong.

VAN!

There will always be those who prefer soldering and those who prefer crimping, you have to make your own choice.

I solder circuit boards and crimp wiring looms.

itchyfeet wrote:There will always be those who prefer soldering and those who prefer crimping, you have to make your own choice.

I solder circuit boards and crimp wiring looms.

I agree with you.
I worked in the aerospace industry for years and all cables are crimped, and before I hear the silly argument about not being a harsh environment I spent years on Sea Harriers.
Cable's should be crimped boards should be soldered
IMHO and most industry

We have been here before.
Crimp them.


Get a hydraulic crimping tool which you can use in situ if needed.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-Ton-Hydra ... SwJ0xaX4Ce" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Choose the correct blind tube terminals and heat shrink eliminates any moisture ingress.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OCZ-035-8-Ri ... 0290.m3507" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Crimp it is. Thanks for link