Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im considering using flexwatt for the first time. Im not sure if I want to solder or use the connecters. Can anyone help answer some Q's for me?

How easy is it to burn thru the copper in the flexwatt? Im a complete newb when it comes to soldering. I heard that a solder wont take unless the other piece (in this case the copper on the flex) that you're connecting it to is heated up alot, but I also read somewhere you can burn thru it or melt the plastic from the other side. how easy is it to make these mistakes? (I have the stuff with the flux in it, lead free)

And for crimping, which seems easier to me, do I need to buy the 55 dollar crimping tool to get the right connections? can I just buy something at home depot for less?

Even though the crimping seems easier, that 55 dollar tool seems a little pricey.

So in a nut shell, how easy is it to solder it without messing it up? and is there a cheaper tool I could use to crimp it correctly?

thanks guys!

Soldering is easy and I feel the best way for the most reliable connection. Just get your soldering iron hot enough to melt your solder before touching the copper...then you don't have to worry about burning through anything...only takes a couple seconds to heat it up and make the connection.
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Dale....dgoins222@yahoo.com
www.LibertyReptiles.com

When soldering you first need to "scrape" the plastic covering from the rail with the soldering gun tip, then solder.

I just use the heat of the soldering gun to melt off the plastic and then solder the wire to the flexwatt, then reinsulate it with silicone caulk. Be sure to let the silicone cure before putting it in with a snake.CM

That is what I meant by "scraping" it off with a hot soldering iron. You just need to get the plastic out of the way and not try to solder over the plastic.

Like others have said, the soldering is easy. I have done it both ways. I use an exacto knife to cut of the plastic before soldering. As far as crimping goes, you dont need any tool at all. Just place the leads over the copper bands and squeeze them into place. Then I just set the connection on a hard surface and give it a few quick taps with a hammer and it is seated. You can do whichever you feel most comfortable with, but I have never had any problems with either method. I do cover the connection with electricians tape after it is completed.