Cable end solder?

Srjeeper · #1 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009, 07:55 PM

I'm wanting to solder the end of a new SS cable to keep it from fraying. What type solder is used?

I tried some electrical solder w/resin core and some plumbing solder, but neither would melt in.

Any and all replies appreciated..............

diceman2004 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009, 08:24 PM

i don,t know about what solder to use , but if yo go to any bicycle shop you can get a cable crimp for like 10 cents

Venice Motor Bikes · #3 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009, 09:09 PM

I use electrical solder & a soldering iron.... It works well for me!

bairdco · #4 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009, 09:33 PM

yeah, i've always used whatever solder i had laying around, and it always worked.

i've used other things too, super glue, heat shrink, spoke nipples...

Kevlarr · #5 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009, 10:28 PM

I wouldn't use plumbing solder because you need acid flux and that wouldn't really be good wicking into the cable. Rosin core should work fine if your iron is getting hot enough. Heat the cable not the solder.

**2door** · #6 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009, 11:26 PM

If you're certain your cable is stainless steel you will not get any solder to stick to it. Solder being essentially lead based will not take to stainless. There are materials out there but you'll need high heat and knowhow to get it to work. Go for the crimp-on method or replace the cable with steel, not stainless.
Tom

**BarelyAWake** · #7 (**permalink**) 09-22-2009, 04:21 AM

Hmm, I just had a similar concern with my new cables - yet I didn't want to solder them as I may need to get them back out of the housing again so I just used some heat-shrink wire insulator on the ends

Those crimp-on cable ends suck tbh as the crimp itself makes the cable end "fan" o.O

Srjeeper · #8 (**permalink**) 09-22-2009, 05:59 AM

The cable is for the clutch, so a crimp on end can't be used, as it won't pass thru the clutch arm. I'm using a small butaine torch to heat the cable red, but neither types of solder would melt in, they just rolled off.

I like the shrink tube idea for now, thanks all.....

silverbear · #9 (**permalink**) 09-22-2009, 07:17 AM

For making up new extra long throttle cables for my step through Americans I use silver soler with the appropriate flux. Works fine for me. I can then use a dremel tool to shape the end to the way I want it.
Silverbear

**BarelyAWake** · #10 (**permalink**) 09-22-2009, 07:39 AM

Yes, but does it match the paint job like my shrink-wrap?