It is possible to solder stainless if you use the right flux. Look for stainless-specific flux; they usually contain zinc chloride and hydrochloric acid (read: ensure adequate ventilation). You'll want to fray out the individual strands a bit to clean them with alcohol or something similar before applying the flux, and you'll want to be careful with that flux since it's not the gentlest thing in the world.
I still occasionally solder my (stainless) cable ends. In fact, for the cantilever straddle cable ends, I usually put a dollop of solder (i.e., excess) at the end to make a "bulb" (like a spring onion!) so that it's easier to grab ahold of. It's a nice conversation piece for the keen eyes. On Monday, December 30, 2013 7:26:53 AM UTC-8, George Schick wrote: > > The comment about unsolder-able stainless cables replacing the old > galvanized ones is spot on. I used to like to solder mine, too - can't do > it any more, though. However, I do like the idea of placing a small piece > of heat shrink on the ends - never thought about doing that before, but > it's a good one. > > > On Monday, December 30, 2013 5:31:35 AM UTC-6, Michael Glaser wrote: >> >> I'm a huge fan of old school mechanics techniques, but the reason that no >> one solders cables anymore is that stainless has all but displaced >> galvanized steel for cables on nicely-spec'd bikes. And apart from being >> able to take solder, galvanized cables have nothing on good quality >> stainless cables when it comes to smoothness and longevity. >> > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
