Mil spec wire?

[Bas Horneman]

I use belden cat5 teflon isolated wire...got it really cheap..3 of the 4 tp are teflon and 1 tp is pvc... but that was a one off buy...the shop where i got it has got none left..

but any hookup with solid core is good enough imo..

the coax that has air as dielectric should be ideal..except it is ungainly in use..

 

[MRehorst]

Isn't "Hospital Grade" supposed to sound better than "Mil Spec"?



MR

 

[MRehorst]

I picked up a lot of Teflon insulated wire on ebay for what came out to $0.03 per foot including shipping. The stuff is there all the time. Search for "teflon wire".

I can't say it "sounds" better (I seriously doubt it) but is sure does solder better. Teflon insulation doesn't melt like PVC, so you get good, nice looking solder joints every time.

MR

 

[Apex Jr]

Mil-Spec Wire Spec's

Someone spoke of the Mil 16878 spec.
For information
Mil 16878/ 4 is standard E Teflon
Mil 16878/ 5 is heavy wall Teflon
Mil 16878/ 6 is thin wall Teflon
each type can come in either 7 strand but mostly
19 strand
Steve

 

[pinkmouse]

I have loads of reclaimed wire I use for projects, as well as stuff I specifically buy. Is there an easy way to work out if any of my surplus stuff is Teflon?

 

[dorkus]

just stick your iron on it for a few seconds and see if it melts.
once you see teflon, it's hard to miss it. it tends to be very hard and tough compared to other insulations, often but not always with a semi-glossy finish. it does not stretch much either.

 

[Apex Jr]

Teflon wire touch

When you touch teflon with your fingers it has a smooth
and destint feel. You'll know when you feel it.
Regular PVC is hard feeling and can feel rough.
Steve

 

[MRehorst]

Teflon insulation has an almost greasy feel to it. It is hard to strip with a regular wire stripper because it takes a lot of force to cut it and you usually end up cutting some of the strands of wire with it, especially the 19 strand stuff. It is hard to cut the insulation cleanly so you end up with little whiskers of teflon attached to the ends of the wires.

If you're going to use a lot of teflon wire, do yourself a big favor and get a thermal stripper. It will cleanly melt through the teflon without damaging the wire underneath. You can pay top dollar for a thermal stripper if you get it from a tool company, or you can look for one on ebay or at a ham fest. I picked mine up for $10 at a flea market.

MR