Unbuilt Heathkits - solderability of parts

[Eddy Swynar]

Terry,

I've found this to be true of any old parts that have tinned wire leads,
especially those big old carbon resistors that LOOK like they're very
"solder ready", but actually aren't---unless you scrape the leads with a
knife first.

I didn't know it before, but I guess tin & lead---as solder---oxidize, too,
over time.

~73~ Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ




----- Original Message -----
From: "Terry Perdue" <k8tp at ATTBI.COM>
To: <HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV>
Sent: Sunday, December 08, 2002 3:51 PM
Subject: Unbuilt Heathkits - solderability of parts


> I picked up an unbuilt resistance substitution box for a few bucks a while
> back, and decided to build it. I was disappointed to find that even though
> the components looked fine, nothing wanted to take solder. It was
> particularly disappointing, because the manual had you install all of the
> resistors and then solder. (I might have been able to scrape the leads and
> lugs if I had known beforehand.) Even the heavy bus wire, which looked
> shiny, must have had a film on it. The parts dad still been in their
> unopened envelopes. I'm curious - have those of you who have given in to
> temptation to build an old kit found this to be a common problem?
>
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