Best solder to use

rtarbell · 19th November 2005, 06:31 AM

I've never given a real thought to it... but what is the best valued solder that everyone likes? I just use Radioshack solder, but I haven't researched this topic.

philibuster · 19th November 2005, 06:45 AM

lead free solder for the environment (and your health).

AndrewT · 19th November 2005, 08:22 AM

Hi,
old fashioned 40/60 rosin cored cleans and sticks very well.
I have found some silver loaded also stick well if precleaned but I get the impression that the flux is not quite as good.
Lead free seems to introduce even more of the cleaning and sticking problems and for small scale amateur work is probably not a significant environmental issue.
If your soldering technique is below best then I recommend you stay 40/60

bigmike216 · 19th November 2005, 05:55 PM

I have 5 different rolls of solder on my bench.

A roll of good old Kester 44 60/40 is always on my desk. It's great for cables, and other bigger things.

I have a rool of kester with a water soluble flux. It's terrible, stay away.

Then I have several sizes of smaller diameter solders, all 63/37.. I do prefer 63/37 over 60/40. When it cools, thee's no pasty state inbetween liquid and solid with it, it just goes straight to solid. This is called a eutectic solder. .034 for through hole work, .020 and .015 or fine pitch surface mount work.

If you're doing surface mount soldering, I also suggest some liquid flux. It's an essential, and comes in convienient pen applicators. You can also buy it as lqiuid and put it into a squeeze bottle with a needle.

I'm not a fan of lead free solder. It takes alot more heat to melt, and really is a pain to work with.

Leolabs · 20th November 2005, 01:05 AM

I use solder made by Philips.It definitely produces firm solder joint.But because it get "cold" a bit faster,cant work on"flood and heat up all pins"SMD desoldering methor.

19th November 2005, 06:31 AM	#1
rtarbell diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2005	Best solder to use I've never given a real thought to it... but what is the best valued solder that everyone likes? I just use Radioshack solder, but I haven't researched this topic.

19th November 2005, 08:22 AM	#3
AndrewT diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scottish Borders	Hi, old fashioned 40/60 rosin cored cleans and sticks very well. I have found some silver loaded also stick well if precleaned but I get the impression that the flux is not quite as good. Lead free seems to introduce even more of the cleaning and sticking problems and for small scale amateur work is probably not a significant environmental issue. If your soldering technique is below best then I recommend you stay 40/60 __________________ regards Andrew T.

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19th November 2005, 06:45 AM	#2
philibuster diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2005	lead free solder for the environment (and your health).

19th November 2005, 05:55 PM	#4
bigmike216 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: BC, Canada	I have 5 different rolls of solder on my bench. A roll of good old Kester 44 60/40 is always on my desk. It's great for cables, and other bigger things. I have a rool of kester with a water soluble flux. It's terrible, stay away. Then I have several sizes of smaller diameter solders, all 63/37.. I do prefer 63/37 over 60/40. When it cools, thee's no pasty state inbetween liquid and solid with it, it just goes straight to solid. This is called a eutectic solder. .034 for through hole work, .020 and .015 or fine pitch surface mount work. If you're doing surface mount soldering, I also suggest some liquid flux. It's an essential, and comes in convienient pen applicators. You can also buy it as lqiuid and put it into a squeeze bottle with a needle. I'm not a fan of lead free solder. It takes alot more heat to melt, and really is a pain to work with.

20th November 2005, 01:05 AM	#5
Leolabs diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bukit Mertajam	I use solder made by Philips.It definitely produces firm solder joint.But because it get "cold" a bit faster,cant work on"flood and heat up all pins"SMD desoldering methor.

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