To solder or not?

[Thegreengiant12]

I know this question has been answered before and there?s many different mixed opinions, but I?ve heard a lot of people say you don?t need to solder the cut end of the flex cable that enters the collect if it?s a hexagon collet and not a grub set collet. I?ve also heard instead of soldering you can use a loctite retaining compound.

[RaceMechaniX]

Two different topics mentioned. Soldering of the collet end helps keep the strands from deforming and maintains a more uniform bundle. If you can do this properly it's advisable for any type of collet. Loctite can replace soldering flex cable to a ferrule typically at the prop end of the shaft if the fit is good. Loctite will work very good if you have a snug fit between the shaft and ferrule and all the parts are clean. Soldering will fill a larger gap and also works better if you have a small insertion depth. Loctite will not help on the collet end unless you plan on not removing the shaft. Even coating the free end with loctite and allowing it to cure in air before inserting it will not make much difference. Hope that helps.

[fweasel]

Tyler, I use Loctite retaining compound on the collet side of the flex cable to help stop stray ends and slippage between inner and outer winds. Maybe that's what the OP was referring to when he mentioned Loctite as opposed to it's traditional use on the propshaft end of things.

[Panther6834]

I realize I have only been involved in FE boating for less than a year. However, this comes not from me, but from quite a few people involved in FE racing - "Always put solder on the end of the flex cable that inserts into the coupler."

The way they described it to me, it doesn't matter what type of coupler you are using...the primary purpose is to prevent the strands of the flex cable from separating at the end.


~ More peace, love, and kindness would make the world a much better place

[dasboata]

Tyler, I use Loctite retaining compound on the collet side of the flex cable to help stop stray ends and slippage between inner and outer winds. Maybe that's what the OP was referring to when he mentioned Loctite as opposed to it's traditional use on the propshaft end of things.

How does the loctite get into the tight strands ? my bet is it don't. locktite expands how does it not distort the shaft and how would you get it out of the ferule , solder is the best but you really don't need anything ,,if soldering it needs to be real clean, & do not overheated, I flood it with past flux and eventually you see the solder flow but don't over heat it

[fweasel]

Chris, I'm using 648 retaining compound, not the regular thread lock, it actually wicks into the winds very quickly. No change in cable dimension, no issues with collet fitment.

[Thegreengiant12]

Tyler, I use Loctite retaining compound on the collet side of the flex cable to help stop stray ends and slippage between inner and outer winds. Maybe that's what the OP was referring to when he mentioned Loctite as opposed to it's traditional use on the propshaft end of things.

Yes This is exactly what I meant.