Too cold for soldering !

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BlueSkyNick

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Tried to put some BNC connectors onto new cables, but I was catching the SE wind straight off the Solent, and even weariing two fleeces it felt like -5 degs early in the afternoon. I had chosen to to use a fine tipped soldering iron (25W) to avoid damaging the insulation on the cable, or the pin. The iron wouldnt get hot enough to melt the solder on its own, let alone do the job!

Took it down into the cabin and it worked fine, but 6ft above the deck it was hopeless /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Back tomorrow with a bigger soldering iron.

Why does every job on the boat take 3 times longer than necessary or planned? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
I also have found that I can't get an electric soldering iron to melt the solder if there's a breeze blowing. In the end I bought a small gas torch from Maplin which is not much more than a gas cigarette lighter with a nozzle attached. This gives a pinpoint flame which works well even out in the open. This might be worth a try if your bigger iron doesn't work.
 
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Why does every job on the boat take 3 times longer than necessary or planned? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Only 3 times longer? Showoff!
 
I have a 12volt soldering iron and, as you say, it is fine below decks but not too good above. I have found the only alternatives are to wait for a stil, hot summer day or, get an accomplice to hold a jacket around the work area to exclude the breeze. I'll check out the Maplin gas thingy though.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have a 12volt soldering iron

[/ QUOTE ] A tip when using them is to run the engine.
Boosting the voltage makes a bigger difference in the power of the iron than you'd think because watts is proportional to volts squared (W = V²/R)
 
Having spent very many years up masts and soldering PL259 and 'N'-type connectors may I recommend the following:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Modu...on&doy=17m2

It is standard kit in my armory and I have recently replaced my old one which I wore out. Can be taken anywhere as it does not require any form of electrikery.

Before anyone suggests that butane won't operate successfully below 5ºC, you keep it in your inside jacket pocket until it is time to use it. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
 
Ive had a Snap-On version of the Maplin Iron for years, and being an ex fitter, had to use mine out doors often. Even would solder when the snow was traveling 60 knts sideways. The hole in the element is good for heat shrink tube.
 
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