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This is not strictly an electronics question, but I couldn't find any more appropriate topic area.

I am working on a small project to attach a motor to a metal plate.

As part of the project, I have a flat 14 gauge plate of high grade steel, and I want to solder a 3/8" nut to it, with the nut sitting flat (hole up).  The nut is a standard hardware store nut, and it is coated with something shiny, probably zinc.

I know that molten solder will stick to the metal plate, but will it adhere to the zinc coated nut?

Thanks,

Mannyrock

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Thanks for all of the suggestions.

If I had to do it all over again, I would probably use the JB Weld stick roll.  I ended up using the plumbers' solder and flux, and it work out, but it was more difficult than I thought it would be.   Probably because I used my soldering iron instead of a propane torch. I had to do it a little at a time, in layers, almost like TIG welding.      I didn't try the torch because in my limited experience with copper pipe fittings, once the torch heated up the metal, the solder melted immediately upon contact with the metal, and would run everywhere, almost like water.   I am sure that a more experienced guy could have managed well with the torch though.

Mannyrock

@Mannyrock posted:

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

If I had to do it all over again, I would probably use the JB Weld stick roll.  I ended up using the plumbers' solder and flux, and it work out, but it was more difficult than I thought it would be.   Probably because I used my soldering iron instead of a propane torch. I had to do it a little at a time, in layers, almost like TIG welding.      I didn't try the torch because in my limited experience with copper pipe fittings, once the torch heated up the metal, the solder melted immediately upon contact with the metal, and would run everywhere, almost like water.   I am sure that a more experienced guy could have managed well with the torch though.

Mannyrock

Plumbers solder has higher melting point and the newer lead free is even worse. 60-40 or 63-37 is much better, just use the proper flux for bare metal. A 45 watt pencil iron is OK for a screw head but anything larger you either need a bigger iron, small torch, or a resistance soldering tool.

lots of youtube videos on building brass trains or similar will show you the various techniques.

Pete

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