cleaning copper antenna wire
Ed
Can anyone advise me of a good way to easily clean the
corrosion/oxidation from old copper clad steel antenna wire? (It's never
been used, but it is oxidized from just sitting around. I have several
spools of #14 copperclad that I would like to use for various antenna
projects, but the oxidized copper makes it very difficult to make a good
solder connection.
Ed WB6SAT
w5lz
Except for where you make a solder connection, I wouldn't
worry about oxidation at all. I just happen to have some
'Brasso', and that's what I've used. Wouldn't buy a can just
for that though.
'Doc
FAZAMY
I have to solder.
73,
KB2AMY
Gray Frierson Haertig
Gray
--
Telecommunications Engineering
Gray Frierson Haertig & Assoc.
820 North River Street, Suite 100
Portland, Oregon 97227
503-282-2989
503-282-3181 FAX
g...@haertig.com
Gary Coffman
> Can anyone advise me of a good way to easily clean the
>corrosion/oxidation from old copper clad steel antenna wire? (It's never
>been used, but it is oxidized from just sitting around. I have several
>spools of #14 copperclad that I would like to use for various antenna
>projects, but the oxidized copper makes it very difficult to make a good
>solder connection.
>
> Ed WB6SAT
Several posters have recommended abrasive methods. But that's
not a good idea. The copper coating is relatively thin, and you don't
want to expose the steel core or you'll get rust, and your antenna
will fail prematurely. Use one of the chemical cleaning solutions
sold for copper cookware. A quick dip and the wire will be clean
enough to solder.
Gary
Gary Coffman KE4ZV | You make it |mail to ke...@bellsouth.net
534 Shannon Way | We break it |
Lawrenceville, GA | Guaranteed |
KK4TL
a test spot first to make sure it won't do more than you bargained for.
If it works, at least you'll have a convenient supply at an affordable price.
Ed
Well, all I have is Bud. It doesn't work! Seriously, I did try the
Coke idea, no results in a short period. Perhaps a longer time would have
produced results.
As original poster of this subject, I thank all who replied. I
haven't tried any of the chemical or abrasive means yet, have them all
notated and will be experimenting an a few weeks.
Ed WB6SAT
Eric F. Richards
>
> >I've heard that Coca-Cola will shine it like new money. Might wanna try
> >it on a test spot first to make sure it won't do more than you bargained
> >for.
> >
> >If it works, at least you'll have a convenient supply at an affordable
> >price.
> >
>
> Well, all I have is Bud. It doesn't work! Seriously, I did try the
> Coke idea, no results in a short period. Perhaps a longer time would have
> produced results.
Coke will work on steel objects. The reason is that Coke contains
phosphoric acid, the active ingredient in "extend" and other "rusty
metal primers." I have no idea if phosphoric acid works on copper
oxide. (It does damage concrete, though, when used in strong
solution.)
Eric
--
Eric F. Richards
efr...@dimensional.com
"The weird part is that I can feel productive even when I'm doomed."
- Dilbert
Den
Fro...@Juno.com (Ed) wrote:
>
>
> Can anyone advise me of a good way to easily clean the
> corrosion/oxidation from old copper clad steel antenna wire? (It's
never
> been used, but it is oxidized from just sitting around. I have
several
> spools of #14 copperclad that I would like to use for various antenna
> projects, but the oxidized copper makes it very difficult to make a
good
> solder connection.
>
> Ed WB6SAT
Noxon, its made for copper and will do a real nice job.
Coke is the wrong pH to remove copper oxide. As noted it will work
nicely on iron. You need a base, ammonium hydroxide being the best and
a little abrasive ... Noxon.
Be sure and clean the Noxon off the wire, a little water will work just
fine, flux the area and solder away.
No need to clean all the wire, just where you need to solder.
73
Den Spiess W2DEN -.-
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
Tom
abrasion to take off the oxidation and leave the copper. Don't
care for chemicals, they can leave a residue, film. Don't touch
the copper with your hands either.......Tom N4RS
Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com.
Up to 100 minutes free!
http://www.keen.com
CAM
> Coke will work on steel objects. The reason is that Coke contains
> phosphoric acid, the active ingredient in "extend" and other "rusty
> metal primers."
Put a piece of raw beefsteak in a Coke and it will dissolve.
--
http://www.mindspring.com/~w6rca
A ccrider3
be reinvented here.
73's Dale
Art Clemons
writes:
>Put a piece of raw beefsteak in a Coke and it will dissolve.
I tried this years ago with raw hamburger, just got soggy ground beef.
-art clemons-
Ed
>Coke will work on steel objects. The reason is that Coke contains
>phosphoric acid, the active ingredient in "extend" and other "rusty
>oxide. (It does damage concrete, though, when used in strong
>solution.)
>
>Eric
Thanks, Eric. I'll be sure not to use it on my concrete antennas!
.... sorry, I couldn't resist.
Ed
Eric F. Richards
No problem, Ed, I'll be over to admire your tower bases. I'll bring
a case of Coke -- for refreshment, of course... ;-)
Don Taylor
cut the lemon in half and rub one of the halves on the wire where I want it
cleaned so that it can be soldered. It works for me and is pretty quick.
Presumably its the citric acid that is removing the oxidation. Perhaps
others know of reasons why this may not be a good idea. After the oxide
comes off I sometimes give the wire a rinse in water to stop any further
chemical effects by the lemon juice.
Don N0ABO
Ed <Fro...@Juno.com> wrote in message
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