The biggest problem with soldering is the person holding the iron/gun whatever USUALLY. Most folks just have no experience in soldering. Your comment about a solder joint needing to have mechanical integrity is absolutely correct. It is the first step to a good joint. The next step is to get proper heating of both/all elements to be soldered and then apply the solder to the joint. It is not correct to apply the soldering tool to the solder to get it to melt. It is correct to apply the solder to the hot joint and have it melt evenly over the joint. Also electrical soldering has no resemblance to body soldering or Acid Core type soldering. Once a joint is properly executed it should still be covered in a means to protect it from the elements that can and will cause oxidation.
Crimp joints are just like solder joints. Using the right tools and techniques is the key to having good crimp joints. And as with a solder joint it also requires attention after the fact to protect it from the elements. You can go either way as long as the joint is properly done be it solder or crimp. I use both ways but generally lean towards soldering. However in a vehicle I usually lean towards crimp and other compression joints. It's just easier than soldering a connection under a dash and having molten solder drip on your nose. Yeah, I know I am gonna get hammered on this one because everyone has an opinion that has to be one way or the other. Hey! Merry Christmas while I'm at it. K0AZ Michael D. Sanders 18169 Highway 174 MT Vernon, MO 65712 Lawrence County ARES EC 6 Meter DXCC #436 6 Meter WAZ #37 6 Meter WAS WAC VUCC WAJD -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Rick Schaefer Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2004 1:04 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Chevelle-list] Splice or Solder I've always thought that a solder joint was better electrically than a crimp connection. But I found 2 internet references that say a solder joint has higher resistance than a crimp. I know that a solder joint should first be mechanically sound, so why would a crimp be better? -- Rick Schaefer --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.809 / Virus Database: 551 - Release Date: 12/9/04 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.809 / Virus Database: 551 - Release Date: 12/9/04
