Gun Street Wiring Harnesses -- a buyers review

I have a few Sears soldering irons (various wattage). I think they're Weller made. Using 60/40, they work great with good technique. If I clean the tip during the process, I get great results. I am obsessive compulsive about soldering. It is still a hassle. I only solder in the morning on a day off with a steadier hand and a clearer head.
 
ivan H said:
That is a nicely made harness. Regarding the jack sockets, I've taken to using theseView attachment 31923
Switchcraft Dual Tip Contact item. Typical Switchcraft quality & the dual tip contacts make for a very positive contact. Adrian, regarding your dislike of soldering, may I ask, what type solder are you using? If your using the "lead free" stuff, I fully understand. I hate the stuff due to its inability to "take" to the job well unless an electronics grade flux is used. If you are using this, I suggest getting hold of some quality "resin cored 60/40 (60% tin/40% lead) solder". This is all I use & no flux. So much easier to solder with & "takes" readily so long as the job surfaces are clean. Cheers
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We get those here in the U.S. under the trade name "Pure Tone."
 
Robert Herndon said:
Yes. The guns employ electro-magnetic coils for faster heat. I've read they can de-gauss a magnet very quickly.
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Hmmm...

I’ve used a soldering gun before on my guitars with no ill effects. That was before I got a soldering iron.

I certainly understand the theory. But, this strikes me as the same type of warning that cautions against leaning your guitar against your amp for fear the speaker magnet will degauss your pickup magnet.

Don’t get me wrong, Robert. I’m not criticizing you. I realize you’re just passing on a warning you’ve read. That’s kind and considerate of you.

But, I’m skeptical of the idea.
 
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ivan H said:
If your using the "lead free" stuff, I fully understand. I hate the stuff due to its inability to "take" to the job well unless an electronics grade flux is used.
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True.

I haven't used leaded solder in years. A good joint is dependent on the parts being very clean and using a good flux.

This is what I use:

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I buy it from an electronics store that's about five minutes from the office.

Before soldering, I'll clean the parts with denatured alcohol. This removes any surface contaminants that may remain from manufacturing. Then, I dab just a touch of this flux on the connection immediately before applying the solder. Using this, the solder "takes" very well and flows nicely into the joint.

After the joint cools to the touch, I'll blast any flux residue away with electronics cleaner or wipe it off with denatured alcohol.
 
smitty_p said:
Hmmm...

I’ve used a soldering gun before on my guitars with no ill effects. That was before I got a soldering iron.

I certainly understand the theory. But, this strikes me as the same type of warning that cautions against leaning your guitar against your amp for fear the speaker magnet will degauss your pickup magnet.

Don’t get me wrong, Robert. I’m not criticizing you. I realize you’re just passing on a warning you’ve read. That’s kind and considerate of you.

But, I’m skeptical of the idea.
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I'm admittedly a strange fellow, but I never give recommendations without aforethought. I was soldering something once with a Weller pistol-style gun, at a rather low angle, and when I pulled the trigger, it lifted a small screw up from the table and held it to the side of the gun until the trigger was released.

Coupling that event with Lindy Fralin's warning about potential for damage to pickup magnets from soldering guns, I thought it worthy to mention.
 
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