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Components and Circuits For discussions about component types, alternatives and availability, circuit configurations and modifications etc. Discussions here should be of a general nature and not about specific sets. |
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17th Oct 2003, 5:45 pm | #1 |
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
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Soldering Resistance Wire And Stainless Steel
When it comes to soldering resistance wire and similar alloys like stainless steel, I find that the common electrical fluxes are useless. I discovered that Naval Jelly, usually used for removing rust, makes a excellent active flux for these alloys.
The fumes given off during soldering with Naval Jelly are very irritating and toxic so the job is best done outside. The flux residue should be removed by scrubbing with a toothbrush and hot detergent water followed by a clean water rinse. Once the items have been tinned by this method, they can subseqently be soldered into place with ordinary flux and solder. |
23rd Nov 2003, 10:34 pm | #2 |
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Re: Soldering Resistance Wire And Stainless Steel
I've used stainless steel flux and "radiator flux" (for repairing auto radiators) for the same purpose. I believe they're both hydrochloric acid and zinc chloride. Likewise, once the part is tinned, and the acid washed off, ordinary solder will bond to it. This also works for retinning plated soldering iron tips.
Last edited by Paul Stenning; 26th Dec 2004 at 11:55 pm. Reason: Fix link or code for vBulletin |
24th Nov 2003, 5:40 pm | #3 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
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Re: Soldering Resistance Wire And Stainless Steel
The principal ingredient in Naval Jelly is phosphoric acid. This what is used in specialised stainless steel fluxes but Naval Jelly is infinitely easier to find. Zinc chloride and hydrochloric acid are great for tough soldering jobs but I found that they will not touch stainless steel.
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27th Nov 2003, 1:10 am | #4 |
Retired Dormant Member
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Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
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Re: Soldering Resistance Wire And Stainless Steel
I just checked the bottle at work: Kester formula 817 "Stainless Steel Soldering Flux" lists only two ingredients: hydrochloric acid and zinc chloride. It works on 303 stainless at least.
Last edited by Paul Stenning; 26th Dec 2004 at 11:56 pm. Reason: Fix link or code for vBulletin |
27th Nov 2003, 9:59 pm | #5 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
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Re: Soldering Resistance Wire And Stainless Steel
I was curious as to why Alan's Kester 817 hydrochloric acid plus zinc chloride would solder stainless steel but my plain hydrochloric acid with zinc chloride would not. I looked up the composition of Kester 817 on their web site and found the composition to be:
Zinc chloride 37% Hydrochloric acid 5% Ammonium chloride 3% The ammonium chloride must give the 817 flux the extra kick! So to solder stainless steel use Naval Jelly or the Kester 817 flux recommended by Alan. |