1. What Are Sensored Motor Solder Tab Vertical Extensions?

Sensored motors, commonly used in RC vehicles, robotics, and drones, feature built‑in Hall sensors to precisely control rotor position. The solder tabs on these motors allow secure attachment of power wires. Vertical extensions are solder tabs added perpendicularly to the motor’s existing tabs—ideal when longer clearance or different connector angles are needed. These extensions are often used when installing custom bullets, avoiding wire kinks.

2. Benefits & Applications

H3: Improved Wire Routing & Clearance

By attaching vertical extensions, cables can be redirected away from tight chassis spaces or components like ESCs, preventing interference or abrasion. They’re particularly useful in compact builds.

H3: Better Heat Dissipation

Vertical tab orientation helps elevate hot solder joints away from airflow-blocking surfaces, reducing heat retention from ESC and motor operation.

H3: Ideal for Custom Connectors

Many users install bullet extensions (e.g., 3.5 mm plugs) using vertical tabs—simplifying swaps between motor and ESC without re-soldering. GoBILDA’s 3.5 mm bullet extensions are widely used for this purpose

3. How to Install Solder Tab Vertical Extensions

H3: Required Tools & Materials

• Replacement solder tabs (like Tekin’s PRO4/PRO2 tabs)

• Appropriate gauge stranded copper wire

• High-quality solder and flux

• Soldering iron (≥ 40 W)

• Heat-shrink tubing

H3: Step-by-Step Installation

1. Desolder original wires from motor tabs, careful not to overheat windings.

2. Align vertical extension tabs on existing solder points.

3. Apply flux, then heat both the tab and motor lug, adding solder until it fuses.

4. Attach wire or bullet connector to the top of the extension.

5. Insulate the joint with heat shrink to prevent shorts.

H3: Tips for Robust Joints

• Use high-temp solder and sufficient flux for strong bonds.

• Avoid bending motor leads near the solder joint to prevent stress failures

• Confirm good wire gauge matches motor current requirements (commonly 16–12 AWG).

4. Expert Advice from the RC Community

H3: The Importance of Proper Soldering

Reddit forums emphasize good technique:

“To get the wire onto the motor tab, take the tinned wire and place it on the tab. Third, press the tip of your solder iron into the wire for a few seconds…”

H3: Avoiding Stranded vs. Enamelled Wires

Ensure you’re dealing with standard stranded silicone copper wire—if exposed wires are stiff and non-stranded, they might be enameled motor winding wires, which are difficult to solder

H3: Using Proper Extensions vs. Splicing

Experts recommend using premade bullet extensions rather than splicing bare wires directly. These ensure reliability across vibration and thermal cycles

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cold Joints: Weak, dull solder spots often break—reheat with more flux and add solder.

• Bulky Joints Causing Fitment Issues: Trim excess extension length to fit your build.

• Connector Misalignment: Crimp and pre-tin bullet connectors before soldering to ensure firm contact.

• Heat Damage: Use heat sinks or alligator clips during soldering to protect electronics.

6. Final Verdict & Recommendations

Using vertical solder tab extensions on sensored motors offers improved wire management, thermal safety, and connector flexibility. To succeed:

• Invest in quality tabs and bullet connectors (e.g. Tekin, GoBILDA)

• Practice proper soldering techniques with flux, insulation, and strain relief.

• Confirm you’re soldering on standard stranded copper, not motor winding wires

The results? Cleaner builds, better electronics longevity, and easier ESC-to-motor swaps. Ideal for enthusiasts working on RC cars, drones, or robotics who demand durability and performance.

Quick Tip Summary