It's always something

[JetFixxxer]

This is the first time I've come across this. I can't get solder to stick to the pot. I received my Livewires and trying to install them. They are 100k and now they only hitting 82 well at least the 2 that I've tried. Any suggestions?

[UFORocks]

You're not blowing on the solder to cool it, are you? That was a mistake I used to make.

[JetFixxxer]

No but that sounds like something I would do though .. I've used 100 grit sandpaper on it.. She won't stick to.... I seriously have never had a problem with soldering. I've solder relays, resistors, caps, diodes onto PCB's all the time. This simple thing is just kicking my ass every which way.

[UFORocks]

trial and error, you got make sure the connection between the wire and the pot dont move at all until it cools. Could be that you're over heating the pot, so it might need longer to cool. Also, what kind of solder are you using, what brand?

[jtr]

Use flux or solder with flux in it.

[JetFixxxer]

I tried flux and it didnt' work. It's not the wire I'm had trouble with it's the "Gob" of solder on the case of the pot for the ground points. I finally had to use scotch brite.

[fett]

Don't pots have like a 20% range? I read that somewhere.

[DonP]

What is the wattage of your iron? The idea is to heat it up fast and be done with it. 100 watt irons are great for pots. If you are using a 25 watt iron, you are in for trouble...

[dg]

+1

I used to be afraid to use a hotter iron on pots, but a tech told me that it's better to heat it quickly with a more powerful iron and be done with it rather than take too long with a weak iron. He said heating slowly with a weak iron is more likely to heat up the guts of the pot & cause damage. The hotter iron also kicks ass for soldering to trem claws.

[JetFixxxer]

I am using a 100 watt gun... .. I have everything together but don't have a 9V... go figure.

[toejam]

I received my Livewires and trying to install them. They are 100k

100k pots, you must have the Mustaine Livewires. I think they sound very good in my Dean V. I had one of my volume pots crap out on me and had to have it replaced, and I was surprised it was 100k instead of the typical 25k for actives.

[JetFixxxer]

100k pots, you must have the Mustaine Livewires. I think they sound very good in my Dean V. I had one of my volume pots crap out on me and had to have it replaced, and I was surprised it was 100k instead of the typical 25k for actives.

Yes I do..

[yard dawg]

Make sure the tip is clean and tinned well. I found that a little solder on the tip helps draw new solder to it and it sticks better. Good luck.

[CharvelRocker]

What kind of irons are you guys using? My old 35 watt never had issue's with pots, and my new 25 watt Weller doesn't either.

[CharvelRocker]

Ironically, dad got me a 150/400 watt Craftsman (actually made in the USA too) for Easter as I kept noticing how my Weller didn't hold the tips very well, and he looked up some reviews that said people had issues with them. Very nice unit and I can see why you would use them. Heats up with 400watts, and solders with 150. Pretty much touch and go, plus the light is a nice touch.