Soldering to X

Question

I hear copper is the best thing to solder to my question is can you solder to copper screws?

You see for a dirty switch I would just make an everyday latch let gravity do the work and such however I cannot really figure out a good method besides using a screw. From past experiences soldering onto typical screws is quite challenging, to say the least.

Here is an image to maybe help.

dougw · Answer

You can solder to copper or brass as long as the metal is clean (not oxidized) and you have enough heat. As Gene mentions, flux helps.

genebren · Answer

Justin,

You should be able to solder to a copper screw, but you might need a larger iron (and least large tip) to get enough heat into the screw for the solder to flow. Adding flux to the screw might also improve the heat transfer and also keep to screw from oxidizing while you are heating it. You might also try something like a ring or spade lug to attach the wire to the screw.

Gene