Quoted:
ok, so I have some steel braid and I wanted to solder the ends so they don't fray.
I pulled out my solder, and since I figured I would need a lot of heat, a micro torch.
loosened the braid up a bit, fired up the torch, heated the braid and then added the solder. got them both glowing red and couldn't get the solder to work into the braid.
any advice on the type of solder or technique?
Steel can be soldered but you need acid flux and I don't know how well it would work on wire rope.
The easiest way to "solder" it is to braze it with a stick of fluxed brazing rod from H-D and MAPP gas.
I think the Mapp gas will do it, if not get someone with an oxy-acetylene torch to braze it.
Another thing is that a lot of braided steel rope is galvanized, and you can solder galvanized surfaces, like a can. Be careful not to breath the fumes when you're working with it at higher than soldering temperatures, do it where there's good ventilation.
Brazed wire rope makes a great grounding strap to bolt under you car and drag on the ground to dissipate any charges from EMP strikes.
Or you can use a piece of chain.
Oh, don't sweat the RF 'flowing over the ends', not an issue.
Another idea is to go to H-D, etc, and get a large crip terminal and crimp it on the ends. That's the easiest solution for cosmetics. Then put shrink or vinyl tubing over it /or before...