On Sun, 23 Oct 2005 15:25:51 -0500, "RB"
wrote:

Got some dirty, corroded stranded #14 copper antenna wire I need to
solder/splice. Limb fell across my antenna during Rita. I need to clean
off the ends before soldering. What common household product(s) can I put
the ends in overnite to get 'em shiny and ready to solder?


I use a product called CLR. It is used to remove calcium, lime and
rust from bathroom fixtures. The stuff I use (in the bathroom and on
the wires) comes in a green plastic squeeze bottle. It reduces
(chemistry context) the oxide and leaves the copper bright and shiney
and ready for the solder. I use flux, silver solder and a torch when
I solder SMT components (just kidding!) antenna wires. The flux gives
a better joint and the silver solder seems to be stronger although
your mechanical strength should come from the Western Union twist you
put in the wire. I squirt the stuff into a ceramic bowl and use a
cheap brass bristle brush to clean. Rinse well with water.

R