FLEXWATT repair question:

As others have said, rosin core solder is what you need. But I think your main issue is that you are not getting everything hot enough. You must get the surfaces hot enough for the solder to flow. If it looks like a puddle just sitting on top, it won't stick. It needs to flow out so that it lays somewhat flat on the surface. The easiest way to accomplish this is to use some paste flux (available where ever solder is sold). Swab a little flux onto the surface, then get a "glob" of solder on the tip of your iron. Touch that to the surface with the flux on it. The flux will "boil", and the solder should flow smoothly onto the surface. Do the same thing with the wire, and get a good amount of solder on the wire. When the solder flows INTO the wire, you're ready. Keep the solder melted and hot on the wire, and touch it to the surface you're attaching it to. Again, the solder should flow and mix with the solder on the other piece. That's when you'll have a good bond.

Steve

Thanks for the suggestions. I checked yesterday, and the solder I own is rosin-cored, labeled for electronics use. It's possible my soldering iron isn't getting hot enough, since I've used it to melt holes into tubs and hides.


I'm going out to buy another iron and see if that will help get the copper wiring hot enough to help the solder stick.