Downside to soldering?

[headbussaboi 10+ year member]

Is there a downside to soldering 2 pieces of 0 awg together then heatshrinking the connection? Do you lose anything? Just wondering because I really don't wanna use my other lengths unless I have to. The piece in question almost makes it to the trunk, I'm just short 3 feet or so.

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[rjcastr 10+ year member]

i asked the same question in a differnt forum hahahaha!!!

I dont see why not, but im waiting for an answer myself.

It would be cheaper and probably a better connection since you are soldering the wires together and just reinsulating them

 

[fasfocus00 5,000+ posts]

you just really lose a bunch of time, I'd use a coupler instead. solder has a slighty lower current transfer rate than copper. If you do decide to solder, just keep in mind that you want to have as much wire to wire contact as possible

 

[jmanpc 5,000+ posts]

Soldering is the best as far as security and conductivity go. IMO, theres no other way

 

[blackbonnie 5,000+ posts]

x2 as jman said. only thing you really lose is time and maybe gain a little resistance if any. but it would never be noticeable in a real life application

 

[Ed Lester 10+ year member]

soldering 0 awg is a big pain.

I just use a coupler.

you can use a torch but it makes a mess.

 

[MikeyB 5,000+ posts]

Soldering is the best bet for most connections, but for connecting lengths of 1/0awg a coupler should be used.

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

I would think soldering something as big and heavy as 1/0 would be a weak point in the connection and more easily come apart than a coupler with a pressure screw.

 

[GearGuy2001 10+ year member]

I had to use a propane torch to solder my 1/0 when I soldered the ring terminals for my Big 3 //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

But I do agree with everyone that said soldering is way better (because the connection is rock solid, physically and electrically)

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

If you solder correctly and get the wire heated down to its core and the solder reaches the core. Otherwise if only the outer strands get soldered then it would be weak.

 

[GearGuy2001 10+ year member]

If you solder correctly and get the wire heated down to its core and the solder reaches the core. Otherwise if only the outer strands get soldered then it would be weak.

Which is why I used a Propane torch (like for soldering copper water pipe)