I'm trying to figure out how to properly attach a grounding wire to an aluminum heatsink. Soldering seems like a bad option here, and I don't have a screw to secure a wire under. What are my alternatives?
3 Answers
A quick fix could be using an alligator clip, but it might not be the most secure. If you're set on soldering, try using aluminum brazing rod first since solder doesn’t stick well to aluminum. Drilling a small dimple can let you level it out afterward.
You might want to consider a couple of things first: why do you need this ground connection, and what gauge is your wire? If you opt to drill a hole, using a thread tapper can help, but aluminum is soft enough that a simple hole could work with firm pressure to secure your screw. Just be careful not to damage anything!
How is your heatsink secured? Typically, you would use a spade or ring lug on the ground wire and attach it with a screw. A lock washer can help break the oxide layer on aluminum for a better connection. If there's no screw available, drilling a hole could be a solid approach to create a mounting point. And yeah, soldering isn't going to work well here!