I'm working on a model that has a cylindrical channel running from the head to the feet, and I'm trying to thread an incredibly thin wire for the LEDs. It's too flimsy to push through because the channel isn't perfectly straight. I can get a slightly thicker wire through, which I was considering using to pull the LED wire along. Does anyone have suggestions on how to effectively do this? I'm not very confident with soldering, but I thought about attaching the LED wires to the thicker wire with solder and pulling them, though I worry that my soldering might create a chunk that won't fit.
4 Answers
You could use compressed air with a drawstring. Blow some air into the channel with a fine thread and a small tissue tuft attached to it, then pull the wire through once it's in place. This method is similar to blowing fiber optic cables through conduits!
If you can get a thicker wire through first, consider using a little tape to attach the LED wire. Alternatively, shape a tiny hook at the end of your thicker wire so you can catch the thin wire with it. That should help pull it through!
If soldering feels risky, you might just use superglue instead. Attach the LED wire to the thicker one, let it set, and pull it through.
If pushing it through isn’t working, you could try using a small vacuum setup to pull the wire through. It’s worth a shot!
That's a cool technique! Do they use that method for fiber optics to prevent breaking the glass? I know the usual way to pull wires involves a foam plug and a vacuum. Sounds like a solid alternative for longer runs.