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1st time DIY: How do you remove enamel from copper wires?

post #1 of 15
7/15/11 at 6:07am
Thread Starter 

I'm attempting to solder a new plug onto my old ES7. After stripping the cable, I get 3 colored wires. I untwist these one by one and cut off the fibers. How am I supposed to remove the colored coating from the wires??

 

I've tried using a lighter but then the copper wires break and/or get dirty

I've tried scratching it off with a knife, they break

I've tried using the heat of a little ball of solder on the iron, doesn't work

 

Will sandpaper finally do the trick, or is there an easier/other way? My cable is getting short...


Edited by vincentvdn - 7/15/11 at 6:08am
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post #2 of 15
7/15/11 at 6:27am

Wire Stripper, just go to any hardware store and they'll have a selection of atleast 3 different ones. Pick one that will work with the gauge of the wire you are using.

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post #3 of 15
7/15/11 at 6:35am

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by iamthecheese View Post

Wire Stripper, just go to any hardware store and they'll have a selection of atleast 3 different ones. Pick one that will work with the gauge of the wire you are using.


They are enameled strands, not a big bundle in a PVC/teflon sheath. 

 

I usually have good luck with a knife.

Others have suggested acetone (nail-polish remover) or other less friendly chemicals. Just take appropriate cautions with whatever you use. 

 

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post #4 of 15
7/15/11 at 7:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vincentvdn View Post

I've tried using a lighter but then the copper wires break and/or get dirty

I've tried scratching it off with a knife, they break

I've tried using the heat of a little ball of solder on the iron, doesn't work

 

Wow, how thick is this enamel?? Usually burning with a lighter works great for me, if it gets dirty just use some steel wool to clean it off afterwards. I think this method is the quickest without risking cutting the wires (as using a knife).
 

 

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post #5 of 15
7/15/11 at 9:59am

I simply run them through a ball of solder (25w at least) which tins the wires at the same time.

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post #6 of 15
7/15/11 at 10:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HiFi1972 View Post

I simply run them through a ball of solder (25w at least) which tins the wires at the same time.



OP said this didn't work for him. Maybe his iron isn't hot enough?

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post #7 of 15
7/15/11 at 11:00am

When replugging my  CX300 I used the hot solder iron to scratch it off. Even if I didn't get all the paint off, it was enough.

 

I also read in some recabling guide that you can use aspirin together with a solderin iron. The acid that is produced when burning the tablet (ventilate your room!) should help getting the paint off. Haven't tried it myself though as I didn't need to.


Edited by PinkysBrain - 7/15/11 at 11:06am
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post #8 of 15
7/15/11 at 12:33pm
Thread Starter 

Eureka! I tried again with the blob of solder, it kind of worked but not 100%. Anyway I get sound out of both sides so I'm happy :)

Probably the worst soldering job in the world though. Here's the end result:

 

img1372ku.jpg

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post #9 of 15
7/15/11 at 12:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vincentvdn View Post

Eureka! I tried again with the blob of solder, it kind of worked but not 100%. Anyway I get sound out of both sides so I'm happy :)

Probably the worst soldering job in the world though. Here's the end result:

 



You should have posted pics of the solder job wink.gif

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post #10 of 15
7/16/11 at 1:18am
I'm a big fan of acetone/nail polish remover and mineral spirits. I always have some around for woodwork, so I use those to remove enamel.
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post #11 of 15
7/16/11 at 2:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post

I'm a big fan of acetone/nail polish remover and mineral spirits. I always have some around for woodwork, so I use those to remove enamel.


Ahhh, interesting. I will try that later, thanks.

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post #12 of 15
8/5/11 at 11:31am

Could you exlain how Uncle Erik? ie just wipe it on the end or dip the wire in a pot of the acetone + mineral spirits?? I'm using clairvoyant cables gold plated copper 28awg.

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post #13 of 15
8/5/11 at 7:29pm
I usually pour it onto 0000 steel wool and scrub it off the wires. Doesn't take too long. You can also use a cloth or paper towel. It'll take slightly longer, but still comes off. I like the steel wool because it cuts slightly and leaves a rougher surface - better for the solder to fill in and grip. Yeah, a minor thing, but I always have a loaf of steel wool around.
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post #14 of 15
8/5/11 at 8:26pm

A solder pot would probably work the best, but since it's only for a one-off project the other suggestions in here have been good.

And I doubt your soldering (even if it's your first attempt) would be as bad as some that we've seen around here.

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post #15 of 15
8/5/11 at 8:42pm

I've heard about using molten rosin to sorta corrode/dissolve the enamel.

I myself never found the need of doing anything special to enamel wires. Then again, I have a 40W iron.

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