I have been trying to solder a wire to a C cell battery, I cannot get the solder to attach. I've tried several types of solder but so far none hold. Maybe I afraid to put too much heat to the battery. Can someone give me advice or another means to attach the wire?

You will need to sand or scrape with knife where you want to attach wire, Tin Batery first before soldering wire.

Another option is a "C"cell holder. Can be acquired at Radio Shack type store.