Headlight relays, soldering question

[Huw Powell]

Despite SJ's very complete and clear soldering primer in reply to your 
question, this is an example of where the solder/heat shrink vs. crimp 
connector debates usually end up - the best way to connect wires is the 
way you are comfortable enough with to be sure you do a good job.

For someone relatively new to both methods, the crimp solution is far 
easier to master - a $20 ratcheting crimper, and a few packages of fancy 
connectors with built-in sealant will get you up and running in no time.

By the way, I'd guess that your soldering iron does not have enough 
power to get 12-14 gauge wire up to 6-700 degrees.  I use several 100 
watt soldering stations in my work, with self-regulating tips for steady 
temerature, and they are barely up to soldering 12 gauge wire.  I've 
also noticed that when a tip goes bad, resulting in a constant "on" 
condition, and heats up to orange-red hot, it won't solder properly any 
more.

> I am assembling a relay system for my Audi headlights and am having some 
> trouble. The wiring is a combination of 12 and 14. Not being a fan of crimp 
> connectors I am trying to solder the wiring splices. Trouble is, I can't get 
> anywhere. I heat the wires until the "legs" on my gun get red, but I can't get the 
> solder to flow. Is there a special tip for wires this size? What solder should I 
> be using? Or is this why they invented "solderless connectors"?

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/