Connecting the thin wire on lighting

[CandO]

What is the best way to connect the thin wires on led lights, street lights etc on N scale layouts? I keep breaking the ends then really struggle trying to expose the wire, is there a knack to it that I haven't yet sussed out?

Any advice gratefully received thanks guys and gals

[Flashbang]

Hi

The wire is usually enamel coated. To remove the enamel....
I use the tip of a very hot soldering iron coated with fresh solder. Placing the enamelled wire end into the pool of hot solder melts the coating and also tins the wire too.
An alternative is to use a flame from a cigarette lighter etc to melt away the enamel insulation.
Some modellers scrape the coating off with a scapple blade and very light strokes of the knife blade along the ends of the wires, or use a piece of fine sandpaper in a U shape to rub off the coating.

[CandO]

Ah thanks very much, I guess it's very much a case of practice makes perfect as I've tried a couple of those methods but without success I shall try again!

[Bufferstop]

For very thin plastic insulated wire touch the wire against the back of your soldering iron, the insulation will soften and pull back. Fold a piece of sandpaper over the wire and slide it in and out of the pinch to clean the copper. Helps because there's no force involved.