[TowerTalk] Re: Soldering PL-259s

[Bud Hippisley, K2KIR]

Over the years I've probably butchered more PL-259s than anyone else on this reflector, but my current opinion is that a 100/250-watt gun is about minimum for the job, especially if you're going to solder any of the connectors outdoors.  I've determined the hard way that the faster I can get the cable shield and connector up to soldering temperature, the less damage I'm going to cause.  On cold windy days I've even started using a small propane torch -- without the soldering adapter --just bring the tip of the blue flame up to the parts to be soldered.

Bud, K2KIR

At 10:23 PM 2003-12-29, WW5L wrote:
>Any suggestions for a high wattage soldering iron good for using on PL259s (100 watts or so??)?   Most of the 25-40 watt irons found in the mass hardware places (Home Depot/Lowes) seem to melt more die-electric than solder.  Anyone use/have any luck with opne of those Sears  100/400 watt soldering gun?