Ever need to strip a wire but don't have any wire strippers handy? This instructable shows you how to strip the insulation off wires perfectly every time so that you'll never have to swap between your side cutters and wire strippers ever again.
Once stripped using this method it also lets you twizzle the wires perfectly before soldering them, leaving you with a very neat tinned wire.
These tricks were some of the first things that Steveastrouk taught me when I started working for him after we met on Instructables. I use the wire stripping trick almost every day and has saved me hours.
Read on to find out how!
Once stripped using this method it also lets you twizzle the wires perfectly before soldering them, leaving you with a very neat tinned wire.
These tricks were some of the first things that Steveastrouk taught me when I started working for him after we met on Instructables. I use the wire stripping trick almost every day and has saved me hours.
Read on to find out how!
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Signing UpStep 1: Tools & Materials
Tools:
- side cutters
- soldering iron
- wet sponge or soldering iron cleaning gumpf of choice
Materials:
- wire (duh!), single or multi core.
- solder
- side cutters
- soldering iron
- wet sponge or soldering iron cleaning gumpf of choice
Materials:
- wire (duh!), single or multi core.
- solder
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Y.
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Photography-Backdrop/
These are very basic instructions, and should be followed with some technique. Also basic solder techniques dictate that you only heat solder once!!!!
"soldering for over forty years"
I was taught this by an equally experienced engineer as you. Stripping wires is something everyone reaches for a pair of wire strippers for when it's unnecessary, especially since most people do more damage to the wire using an incorrectly set stripper than someone taught this would. Re the tinning, I've watched people struggle to tin wires with a helping hand and still get a worse result than this. This method teaches you how to hold them so you a) won't burn yourself b) don't overheat the insulation c) only need two hands.
"extremely poor instruction"
Or perhaps you've just misunderstood? It's an excellent method, it was an eye opener when I was taught it and the people I've shown since have also been impressed with how easy and useful it is.
"Also basic solder techniques dictate that you only heat solder once!!!!"
I've never heard this "basic" technique. Care to explain why? I can only think that you're confusing it with reheating old solder. Perhaps? Since many things require tinning and then soldering to something.
James
As far as stripping wires, no nicks of any conductor is acceptable. \
And as far as "Only Heat Once", this is because a second heating of the solder introduces oxygen into the solder along with other contaminents that increase resistance, and needlessly reheats components.
Tinnig is nessesary, but then you insert the wire in whatever you are attaching it to, and use fresh solder to complete the joint.
If you will note, I stated that this instruction should be followed with some technique.
As far as my training goes, I was certified as an instructor for various soldering operations, both military and commercial.
Thank Yuo for your response. Steven E Brenner
Always had trouble soldering my wires, due to the dumb fact I did not TIN the wires! Thanks of the education,dude!
Just do it in the same direction that the base wire was formed with...
Takes quite a bit of practice to develop the muscle memory in applying 'just enough' pressure to cut insulation and not nick wires....
Twizzle: verb
spin or cause to spin around.
I don't know as far as twizzle being the technical term but it's a fun word to say and now I have a reason to say it. :)
Steve
The only thing Jayefuu's missed about my technique is that he is, and should point out, using Lindstrom cutters. Having VERY sharp cutters that penetrate the insulation is critical to the method, since blunt ones will merely force the insulation all the harder onto the strands, and you are pretty well guaranteed to snap a strand.
Sadly Lindstroms ain't cheap - they'll set you back over 50 bucks a pair or up to 100 for the top range ones. However they'll last a lifetime of copper work. Mine still cut a strand of hair - and they're 30 years old.
Steve
I keep the tip edges nice and sharp and only cut wire on the deep inside edge.
But at the cost of stripper, I keep ten on hand, spread about my shop at
various places and on or two anchor tied in place by the wire racks.
May be I will do an ible on the skill of stripping narrow gauge insulated wire
with the most convenient tool in my shop My Teeth !
Works great every time over 69 years and sizzles when tinning.
BTW nice to see you in SF :-)
A
i would only mention that those cutter's real
name is: Diagonal Cutters ..
So, i dont really think 'dykes' approaches that spelling and i just never use it .. especially because some women might strongly object ..
"Dikes" seems more fitting, no?
reference changed the meaning of the word, in this my third life language.
Sorry, if my poor phonetic spelling offended any one, I tried to stay clear of the
canal wall reference and got into something even less desirable.
and tnx for the reply
I would rate it but couldn't get the stars to come up no matter how many times I refreshed . :(
Use scrap multistranded wire as de-soldering braid.
Strip a 2-3" length at one end and coat the cores in flux.
I place the fluxed wire against the joint to be de-soldered near the insulation end of the stripped section of wire.
Place the iron tip over it and apply heat on top of the wire.
When the solder flows, drag the wire out from under the iron.
This tins the wire by wicking the solder from the joint.
Clip the tinned wire off, strip and flux farther on and repeat.
Thicker wire soaks more solder, thinner gets into tighter spaces.
The fact is that we use just about everything we can find to strip wires. Personally I like using hot air soldering tools to soften up the plastic and then pull at it with flat pliers or my finger nails (only do this if your finger tips don't mind hot plastic). This produces very clean results and doesn't damage the cable.
I know some of my friends use their keys to strip wires. Hold the wire in one of the indents and pull it. If you do it right it'll strip the wire easily.
Others use lighters but this leaves scorch marks on the cable that makes soldering harder. Another common method is to go along the wire with the shaft of a soldering iron. But that generally doesn't smell too well.
My only suggestion is, if you're going to work with cables. Use the proper tools, if you damage one of the conductors you might be in for a surprise.
It is all to easy to 'dent' the wire, make a small incission on it if you will. When going to larger power consumption (say, 10-16 amps) this means that at the spot of the dent there will be more heat development. Thus risking things from warm wires, to burnt houses.
Personaly, i use strippers (unless it's a small gauge ;))