What solder to recommended?

[jeanious2011]

I just got a Hakko 936 with 907 wand and it works perfectly. Am just trying to figure out what solder flux to use for repairs on amplifiers.

Am replacing some capacitors on a old amplifier.

Also have a solder pump and its loosing suction (do these need a certain maintainance?).

[nigelwright7557]

I use a solder with flux already in it.
Its much easier that way.

[jeanious2011]

Yeah but what size/diameter, what ratio (40/60, 50/50, 60/40)? I got a .063" solder clear flux and it seems to be too thick/big for soldering small componenets such as capacitors/resistors.

I am assuming maybe something like .025" might be better.

[migkiller1971]

Originally Posted by jeanious2011

Yeah but what size/diameter, what ratio (40/60, 50/50, 60/40)? I got a .063" solder clear flux and it seems to be too thick/big for soldering small componenets such as capacitors/resistors.

I am assuming maybe something like .025" might be better.

I use Cardas TRI EUTECTIC SILVER SOLDERm Elts like butter.

[poynton]

Whatever you do, do not use lead-free solder !!

60/40 multicore is best for repairing older gear.
I would also avoid "silver"solder.


Andy

.

[AndrewT]

Use a leaded Eutectic. They are cheap, they work at lowish temperatures, they flow well, there is a wide variety available.
63/37 works very well. It comes in a variety of diameters and a variety of fluxes.
Buy 2 or 3 different diameters once you find the flux that you like.

Eutectic Triple and Eutectic Quad are usually very good, but a lot more expensive. I only know of one Quad, the Cardas version.
There are a few Triples, some based on lead/tin and some on lead and some on tin.
You could try Lead/Tin/Copper, but it's not a Eutectic. It erodes copper tips much less. Use a plated tip, don't rely on the Copper content to save your plain copper tips.

[kavermei]

Originally Posted by jeanious2011

Also have a solder pump and its loosing suction (do these need a certain maintainance?).

You can try to screw it open and tap it so the solder debris falls out. And perhaps the teflon tip has become too damaged with use; these are usually replaceable.

Kenneth

[barrymagrec]

I have for years used Ersin Multicore 60/40 Tin/Lead in, as Andrew suggests, 0.56mm, 0.7mm or 1.2mm diameter according to whether I am soldering surface mount, normal PCB or heavier component lugs. I have never had any problems with this type of solder. More recently I have been forced to use lead free solder by some customers, it is a real pain, higher temperatures, shorter bit life and more potential damage to sensitve components. Don`t bother with it for personal use.

Solder pumps need new washers and tips from time to time to maintain efficiency.

Barry

[DualTriode]

Originally Posted by poynton

Whatever you do, do not use lead-free solder !!

60/40 multicore is best for repairing older gear.
I would also avoid "silver"solder.


Andy

.

Hello,
I will jump in with an opinion.
This is where i fit in too.
Good old 60% tin 40% lead is perfect solder.
The old stuff you are working on will not be lead free to start with.
Some times on old joints I use a dab of no-corrode paste flux, whatever was there years ago is gone.
0.062 is 1/16” fat. I have some but rarely use it. 0.031 or 1/32” gets used most often
DT
All just for fun!

[tomchr]

I use 0.5 mm solder for SMD parts. 0.7~0.8 mm for everything else. Get the 60/40 solder with flux in it. If you need a little extra flux to make the solder flow on an old dry joint, use a flux pen.

Solder suckers need periodic cleaning. In addition, I've found that some regular acid free oil or grease on the O-rings give them a better seal, hence, more suction.

~Tom