[Towertalk] RE: Topband: stripping enameled wire

[Joe Reisert <jreisert@jlc.net>]

Tony,

Until recently (more on this shortly), one preferred way was to use a 
compound called "Strip-X" if my memory serves me correctly. I think it was 
made by General Cement. One dip of the wire in the solution and a few 
seconds later, the enamel foamed. All that was necessary to do was to wipe 
the enamel off with a cloth.

Unfortunately, I think Strip-X is now on the governments banned list (at 
least by shipping) but if you can find it (and can stand the smell!), it 
works wonders.

73,

Joe, W1JR


At 01:56 PM 12/17/2002 -0500, N2TK wrote:
> Lots of response to this question. Here is a summary since several asked for
> any info I got to my question.
> - Majority of responses were to use some kind of flame - match, torch.
> - Some say to use emery cloth, fine sandpaper
> - Some say use acetone
> - Some say to use a knife.
> - One said real men use their teeth to strip the wire.
>
> I don't have acetone. But, I have a flame. I tried a match and a propane
> flame on 3 different colors of small enameled wire that I have. The propane
> torch worked the best. Just a second or two in the flame was enough. Wiped
> off the residue and had a shiny copper wire to solder.
> The match worked on the light brown colored enameled wire I had. But it did
> nothing for the dark brown and reddish brown wire. Had to use the torch for
> those.
> I have no idea in regards to the relationship of the color of the enamel to
> the type it is. Maybe someone knows if there is a relationship there.
> The wires that I used the torch had the best coverage of solder when I
> tinned them, compared to using a knife, emery cloth or sandpaper. Probably
> if I spend more time with these other methods it would solder just fine, but
> the torch is easy and quick.
> No, I didn't try to use my teeth.
>
> Thanks for all the feedback.
> Tony
> N2TK
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: topband-admin@contesting.com [mailto:topband-admin@contesting.com]On
> Behalf Of N2TK
> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2002 07:30
> To: Topband (E-mail)
> Subject: Topband: stripping enameled wire
>
> Is here anything out there that strips enameled wire easy for soldering
> instead of scrapping it with a knife? Got to make up several transformers
> with #28 wire for my receive antennas. Want to se if there is an easier way
> to do this. There used to be some liquid you dipped it in, but that was many
> years ago.
> Tnx
> Tony
> N2TK
>
>
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