Snapping Kanthal on the screws

[Paramaniac413]

In trying to build a coil for my Igo-W+ today, I kept snapping my kanthal when tightening the outer post. I'm using 28g A1, 7 wrap, going for ~1.1 Ohm around a 3/32 bit. Would using 26g help stop this (realizing that I would have to do about 10 wraps on the same bit or 7 on a 1/8 bit - according to the calculations that is)?

 

[gpjoe]

Yeah, it happens. I just snug the screws until the end of the wire starts to curl up, then a bit more. It's a feel thing and you will get used to it.

Going to a heavier gage (lower resistance) wire will definitely help since the wire is obviously thicker.

 

[AndriaD]

It could be that you're over-flaming it before you wrap the coil...? This used to happened to me a lot when I used 32ga, but I've seen it on thicker wire too, if I got over-zealous with the flame pre-wrap. It makes the wire brittle so it breaks easily.

Andria

 

[Paramaniac413]

It could be that you're over-flaming it before you wrap the coil...? This used to happened to me a lot when I used 32ga, but I've seen it on thicker wire too, if I got over-zealous with the flame pre-wrap. It makes the wire brittle so it breaks easily.

Andria

I actually didn't pre-torch it this time...it never crossed my mind come to think of it, and I normally do.

 

[Pushbutton]

Take the screws out and check them. Sometimes the tips have sharp edges to them that will easily clip a wire. A fine sandpaper or file can usually help smoothing things a bit.

 

[Exchaner]

If you can double the leads before inserting them they will withstand the pressure from the screw much better.

 

[Rickajho]

Sand the tips of the screws. These are seldom precision screws and all the finishing they ever see is - being cut off when formed and that can leave sharp burrs or edges.