Can you cut the leads from a LED? And if so does it matter how short. I need to get into a small area. Of course I will still mark the Anode and cathode
Harold
I leave enough lead for my long nose pliers can be used for a heat sink. I also use Hemostatic surgical clamp for heat sinks. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Hemostat+&_sacat=0Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
wolfman halAnd if so does it matter how short.
Use very fine 30 or 32 ga. wire. Tin the wire, solder to the LED first with just a touch of the tip of the iron. Then trim the leads with a very fine side-cutter or sprue cutter as close to your solder joint as possible.
I've done this often.
If you're really tight for space use an SMD LED. You can get these with the leads already attached for a reasonable cost.
Good Luck, Ed
I've soldered wires right AT the epoxy housing leaving just a nub after trimming. Never damaged one yet. The trick is to be quick with your soldering - just a quick touch.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
you can go down to a sixteenth of an inch, have to be fairly quick with the solder iron though ...
do you actually need it that close ?? much easier going a quarter inch or more ...
wvg_ca you can go down to a sixteenth of an inch, have to be fairly quick with the solder iron though ... do you actually need it that close ?? much easier going a quarter inch or more ...
Rich
Alton Junction
why not solder a loop of wire as close to the plastic as possible and then cut the lead?
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
I cut my leads first, tin everything, put one LED in one side of a helping hand and the wire in another, parallel and in contact with the LED wire and solder.
I guess I'm a 1/4" guy
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
If you have enough room and don’t want to solder to the LEDs you can use a socket.The LED terminal spacing is standard .1”, the .1”/2.54mm Header Strip Connectors work great.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Thanks guys. All good ideas. I am going with a 1/4" and my heat sink.