Got some dirty, corroded stranded #14 copper antenna wire I need to
solder/splice. Limb fell across my antenna during Rita. I need to clean
off the ends before soldering. What common household product(s) can I put
the ends in overnite to get 'em shiny and ready to solder?

vinegar and salt should make quick work of it... neutralize with baking soda
or just rinse really well. don't leave them overnight or you won't have any
wire left, just rub it in and wipe off the crud.

"RB" wrote in message
...
Got some dirty, corroded stranded #14 copper antenna wire I need to
solder/splice. Limb fell across my antenna during Rita. I need to clean
off the ends before soldering. What common household product(s) can I put
the ends in overnite to get 'em shiny and ready to solder?

On Sun, 23 Oct 2005 15:25:51 -0500, "RB"
wrote:

Got some dirty, corroded stranded #14 copper antenna wire I need to
solder/splice. Limb fell across my antenna during Rita. I need to clean
off the ends before soldering. What common household product(s) can I put
the ends in overnite to get 'em shiny and ready to solder?


You didn't say how many strands.

If it is 7 strand, you may be able to unlay the strands and scrape the
oxide off with a knife, or polish it off with some stainless steel
wool or the like (dont soak it in steel wool overnight!).

"Common household products" excludes weak muriatic acid solution, and
acid flux, doesn't it, so I won't discuss them. If you do find a
common household acid that works, remember the risk of residual
contamination of the strands, and also, wicking up into the insulated
part if it is insulated.

One of the advantages of single strand bare antenna conductors is that
they are easier to clean, and you can even use acid cleaners without
risk of residual contamination of the strands and wicking up into the
insulated part.

Outright replacement might be the best option.

Owen
--

vinegar and salt should make quick work of it... neutralize with
baking soda or just rinse really well.


Damn! I've been hamming for over 40 years, yet I've never tried
that. I have a need to clean up and re-use some 7 strand copperweld
antenna line so I ran out and just tried this on a fairly corroded end.

It worked super well, and cleaned up each strand, actually getting
down around each strand pretty well even though I didn't spread them.



Thanks for reminding me of this old tip.

Ed K7AAT

"Ed" wrote in message
. 92.175...

vinegar and salt should make quick work of it... neutralize with
baking soda or just rinse really well.


Damn! I've been hamming for over 40 years, yet I've never tried
that. I have a need to clean up and re-use some 7 strand copperweld
antenna line so I ran out and just tried this on a fairly corroded end.

It worked super well, and cleaned up each strand, actually getting
down around each strand pretty well even though I didn't spread them.



Thanks for reminding me of this old tip.

Ed K7AAT

yeah, sometimes us young whippersnappers can teach you old fogies a thing or
two! i've only been at this for 27 years. i learned that one to clean
copper bottom pots. as someone else pointed out, be sure to neutralize it
with baking soda or at least rinse off really well, especially on stranded
and insulated wire. if the vinegar stays down between the strands it can
cause more corrosion.

On Sun, 23 Oct 2005 15:25:51 -0500, "RB"
wrote:

Got some dirty, corroded stranded #14 copper antenna wire I need to
solder/splice. Limb fell across my antenna during Rita. I need to clean
off the ends before soldering. What common household product(s) can I put
the ends in overnite to get 'em shiny and ready to solder?


I use a product called CLR. It is used to remove calcium, lime and
rust from bathroom fixtures. The stuff I use (in the bathroom and on
the wires) comes in a green plastic squeeze bottle. It reduces
(chemistry context) the oxide and leaves the copper bright and shiney
and ready for the solder. I use flux, silver solder and a torch when
I solder SMT components (just kidding!) antenna wires. The flux gives
a better joint and the silver solder seems to be stronger although
your mechanical strength should come from the Western Union twist you
put in the wire. I squirt the stuff into a ceramic bowl and use a
cheap brass bristle brush to clean. Rinse well with water.

R

Got some dirty, corroded stranded #14 copper antenna wire I need to
solder/splice.
Ever tried using Coke/Pepsi. Dont laugh, try putting an old dime or cent
in it for a day or so and see the results. Geeezzzzzzzzz the things we
drink today!! Or try cutting it back a tad or two to new wire, you
shouldn't notice too much diffrence.

--
Amateur Radio Call Sign M1BTI, Located in Manchester England.
Locator square IO83TK
Chairman Of Trafford Radio Club. Club Call Signs G0TRG & M1BBP
Located at Umist, University Of Manchester Institute For Science And
Technology
Share What You Know, Learn What You Dont.

Also catsup works too. It has lots of vinegar and salt, works a little
better if you add more salt to it.


--
John Passaneau W3JXP
State College Pa

This mail is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and
grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to
be considered flaws or defects.

"Dave" wrote in message
...

"Ed" wrote in message
. 92.175...

vinegar and salt should make quick work of it... neutralize with
baking soda or just rinse really well.


Damn! I've been hamming for over 40 years, yet I've never tried
that. I have a need to clean up and re-use some 7 strand copperweld
antenna line so I ran out and just tried this on a fairly corroded end.

It worked super well, and cleaned up each strand, actually getting
down around each strand pretty well even though I didn't spread them.



Thanks for reminding me of this old tip.

Ed K7AAT

yeah, sometimes us young whippersnappers can teach you old fogies a thing
or
two! i've only been at this for 27 years. i learned that one to clean
copper bottom pots. as someone else pointed out, be sure to neutralize it
with baking soda or at least rinse off really well, especially on stranded
and insulated wire. if the vinegar stays down between the strands it can
cause more corrosion.

After 47 years of hamming, I found that this is the best way to clean
corroded stranded #14 copper antenna wire ( may also work on #12) especially
if you experience another "Rita"

1.) Make yourself a strong MargaRITA drink using ONLY Hornitos Tequilla.
2.) After you finish drinking the MargaRITA, dip the end of your antenna
wire into the residue at the bottom of the glass.
3.) Using the lemon slice, carefully wipe the end of your antenna wire
clean.
4.) Repeat 1 through 3 four times.

And there you have it. Reconnect your antenna and go work some real dx for a
change and enjoy your lowest noise level you have ever experienced.

Note: If you are trying to clean off some ladder line, just use a wider
glass.

It worked for me over the years and I am sure it will work for you.

73's de Mike, K6ZSR



"RB" wrote in message
...
Got some dirty, corroded stranded #14 copper antenna wire I need to
solder/splice. Limb fell across my antenna during Rita. I need to clean
off the ends before soldering. What common household product(s) can I put
the ends in overnite to get 'em shiny and ready to solder?

"k6zsr" wrote in news:3Cb7f.3302$UF4.2370@fed1read02:

After 47 years of hamming, I found that this is the best way to clean
corroded stranded #14 copper antenna wire ( may also work on #12)
especially if you experience another "Rita"

1.) Make yourself a strong MargaRITA drink using ONLY Hornitos
Tequilla. 2.) After you finish drinking the MargaRITA, dip the end of
your antenna wire into the residue at the bottom of the glass.
3.) Using the lemon slice, carefully wipe the end of your antenna wire
clean.
4.) Repeat 1 through 3 four times.

Hmmm... repeate all steps four times? I expect after drinking five
Margaritas I won't even be able to find my way out of the room.....


Ed K7AAT