Tom,

I usually don't tin the center  conductor of  coax.   Once you've 
stripped the coax, do a dry run and see how snug the  conductor fits 
into the plug's center pin. Depending on the particular plug and coax, 
it may be a very snug fit.   It's very easy to over tin,  or leave 
little lumps of solder, which can make it more difficult to insert it. 
Try it both ways and see which one suits you.



You may want to add a little file, like a nail file to your soldering 
kit.  When you've finished soldering the tip, you may find a little 
projection of solder, or lump or bump,  which will make it hard to 
insert the new plug into a so-239.   Big lumps can be removed or 
smoothed out with heat, but a file  makes it easy to touch things up.

73, Steve KW3A

On 12/22/2011 8:55 AM, Tom Behler wrote:
> Hi, all.
>
> As many of you know, I have been gradually getting into the world of =
> working with various types of coax connectors, including crimp/solder =
> connectors from The RF Connection.
>
> One of my best elmers in this regard has been Steve (KW3A).  His patient =
> answers to all of my questions are very much appreciated.
>
> Anyway, I have a question here that I thought was general enough that =
> others on the list might benefit from the various responses I might get.
>
> My     question is what is the safest and most blind-friendly way to tin =
> wire inpreparation for soldering?  In particular, I=E2=80=99m thinking =
> of the center conductor on a piece of coax, and stranded wire that might =
> be used for other purposes.
>
> As always, thanks for any suggestions that anyone comes up with, and, in =
> the meantime, I=E2=80=99ll continue my soldering 101 refresher training =
> here.  (grin)
>
> P.S.  I=E2=80=99m traveling and using my laptop at the current time, so =
> if my responses are a bit slow in coming, that=E2=80=99s why.
>
> 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>
>
>