Ask the Editors: Can I Solder This?
Can I solder this type of cable to the old terminal cable? I hate electricity and not sure on whether those metals will all play well together. The solder says its an alloy who knows what it actually is. Atvrder
Yes, solder (which is generally comprised of 60/40 Sn-Pb (tin and lead)) is designed to conduct electricity and can thus be expected to bond decently with the copper conductor of the wire in question. The bigger problem we’ve encountered with such a repair, though, lies in the fact that the hardened solder can become rather brittle and crack apart on account of the rough and tumble off-road environment ATVs often traverse.
While you said you couldn’t find the correct terminals at your local Home Depot, copper ring terminals for 2 Gauge wire (in either 1/4, 5/16 or 3/8 inch so measure the one you’re replacing) do indeed exist for somewhere around $1 apiece. Amazon, for example, will sell you a 10 pack for $10.20 here.
