Removing Black Coating from Copper Wire

[PCUK]

OP wanted something for accessible areas.

 

[dt4134]

Thanks for all your replies. It sounds like there isn't an easy chemical solution. I guess I can resort to fine sandpaper to get it off before tinning the ends. Shame there isn't a short cut.

 

[davidej]

I have had some experience of this in a different context.

I really don't think there is any remedy but replacing the piece of wire.

 

[SAMYL]

I just use fine emery paper. Works ok for multi stranded cable.

I was asking my brother, who is an electrical engineer, about the topic in this thread and he said not to use emery paper but glass/sand paper instead.

Apparently emery can leave a waxy surface that is difficult to solder on to, I'd never heard of that before.

 

[Forty_Two]

Tinning the ends sounds good but you run into the same problem as using solid wire, risk of fracture due to constant movement.

You are effectively converting your flexy wire to a solid one. Personally I wouldn't do it, just accept the untinned cable has a shorter life then tinned.

 

[Spuddy]

I had this problem when fiddling with some of the wiring and wanted to join/extend. A bodge, I know, but just wanted to splice the wires so I could go sailing and halt the repairs for a while. I had no luck in soldering. Abrasive paper just wouldn't get at the strands. I have a fibreglass bristle pen for cleaning pcbs and tried that - no luck.
I did wonder about ferric chloride as used for etching pcbs but didn't know if it would work on the oxide + doubts about wicking as mentioned. In the end settled for renewing the dodgy wire.
If there is a chemical answer, I'd be interested.

 

[CJU]

I have never tried, it but someone told me to dip the wire into patio cleaner/brick cleaner when I wanted to clean some wires on my old motorcycle. I presume it is hydrochloric acid based and if you do try it I would certainly make sure it was cleaned off.

 

[oldfatgit]

Ok, so still best to use tinned flex which I'm sure is expensive. But where is the best place to buy the stuff?

 

[VicS]

Ok, so still best to use tinned flex which I'm sure is expensive. But where is the best place to buy the stuff?

Furneaux Riddall, but I think only in reels and only a limited range of sizes If so not much help unless you want a lot all the same size

otherwise Merlin Powerstore have a good range and will supply "by the metre"

 

[Tintin]

Ok, so still best to use tinned flex which I'm sure is expensive. But where is the best place to buy the stuff?

I have found IEM Services in Redruth Cornwall to be very helpful with good stock and quick delivery, and they sell by the metre.