I would twist them together before inserting.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 8:34 PM
Subject: Tinning the center conductor of RG8X coax


> Hi, all.
>
> I'm making up some coax jumpers with some extra RG8X coax that I have, and
> the crimp-solder PL259 connectors I bought several years ago from Joel at
> The RF Connection.
>
> These connectors are the type that you thread the center conductor through
> the pin of the connector, and solder it to the connector tip.  You then
> crimp the shield to a small metal sleve that goes over the front portion 
> of
> the connector body.
>
> The RB8X cable I'm working with has a multi-strand center conductor, and a
> few of the strands seem to want to bend in on themselves, and therefore
> touch the connector body.
>
> My thinking is that the way to avoid this issue would be to tin the center
> conductor strands prior to inserting them into the center of the connector
> and out the pin end.
>
> Does anyone have a relatively fool proof way to tin the multi-strand 
> center
> conductor with solder and a soldering iron?
>
> Still in learning curve mode here, but one of my goals in life continues 
> to
> be making successful PL259 coax connedctions independently, and I don't 
> give
> up easily.
>
> Tom Behler: KB8TYJ