How to remove enamel on wire - - Faller LEDs

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I have several boxes of Faller LEDs (180647). I want to remove some of the enamel from the positive wires so I have more length to use when I solder. Is there an easy way to get the red enamel off the thin wire?

I tried scraping with an Exacto knife but that broke the wire.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

2

Are you sure you need to? Often the “enamel” insulation is designed to be removed just by the heat of soldering. You may need to use a little extra flux, but otherwise try soldering as if it were bare wire.

3

Ordinary rubbing alcohol will remove the enamel coating on wire. That is why I do not recommend it for cleaning our train motors. I recommend Naphtha, which does not remove the enamel.

Larry

4

Never ran into wire that alcohol would soften the varnish. Maybe the really old stuff had shellac instead of varnish. When I used to rewind motors I had a tool made for the job. I was a pincer type thing with edges to scrape the varnish off. It would easily cut fine wire so I generally used a flame to clean it

5

I agree. The easiest is to use a lighter for a few seconds.