[sdiy] when and why use stranded? (was making PCBs, what's your method?)

[harrybissell]

I use 22ga stranded wire all the time for vectorboard layouts... I strip the
wire then use
individual strands (28ga) with teflon insulation...

Now I can use stranded wire as solid... can you use solid wire as stranded
???   ;^P

H^) harry

Paul Higgins wrote:

> I use very light-gauge solid wire (AWG #24, I think) for most
> perfboard/PCB stuff.  I find it works better when trying to push the
> wire into holes for IC sockets, etc., even when you tin the stranded
> stuff first.  (The stranded stuff often changes shape and shifts in the
> hole when the tinned solder melts as you're making the
> connection--kinda frustrating).  I also use solid wire (AWG #22) for
> doing tube sockets and other point-to-point connections.
>
> As another list member pointed out, stranded wire is best for doing
> front-panel connections and wiring that needs to be dressed and
> bundled.  Plus stranded can take a lot more stress without fatiguing
> and breaking.  So it's nice to have both kinds of wire if you can
> afford it and have the shop space.
>
> -PRH
>
> On Monday, July 19, 2004, at 12:17 PM, john mahoney wrote:
>
> > I've been meaning to ask why stranded wire is often specified.
> > Component
> > leads are like solid core wire, as are PCB traces, as is wire wrapping
> > wire.
> > Yet, we are often told to use stranded wire. Tim Daugard says he even
> > uses
> > old telephone wire, which is also solid core. (The Peasant would be
> > proud.
> > ;-)
> >
> > So, when and why does one need to use stranded wire? Or, when is solid
> > core
> > wire inappropriate?
> > --
> > john
>
> Paul Higgins
> email: higg0008 at tc.umn.edu