Solder for hand soldering

[Baldin]

Running out of my beloved solder :|

Have had a big spool of solder for many years. It has worked just perfect for all my soldering from wire to the smallest SMD components.
I'm not sure which brand it was as the label has come off, but I think it was Weller, and I'm sure it was containing a bit of Silver.

I'm now trying to get some now solder, but have not been successful yet, and hope someone can help me here

I have bought a small spool of Stannol Sn95,5,5Ag3,8Cu0,7 so that means lead free for SMD (2% flux), and a small spool of Stannol Sn60Pb40 (1% flux)
Both 0,5 mm as is my old solder.

The lead free is maybe a bit better than the leaded, but both is really not easy to apply .... like they do not want to stick on the pcb.
Maybe it is because the old solder has a higher amount of flux .... when using flus on the pcb it flows better, but still not at all like the old solder!!

There is small markings on the red spool, H .... something and the number 63/37-E .... might mean Sn63Pb37 maybe .....

Hope someone can help here with good advice 🙂

/Baldin

 

[amplidude]

Have you tried higher temperature

 

[amplidude]

I live in dk and have some spools you might be interested in.
5 core resin 362 96sc tin silver copper 0.25mm2 spools unused
Very good solder

 

[Netlist]

I bought this years ago and I'm happy with it.
https://be.farnell.com/multicore-lo...-r-250g/solder-wire-lmp-0-71mm-250g/dp/419540
It is leaded though, I'm sure a similar lead free variant will exist.

Hugo

 

[Netlist]

Have you tried higher temperature

Indeed, one can look for the ideal temperature in the datasheets.

Hugo

 

[amplidude]

The one I showed need 30 50 degrees more than standard solder

 

[rayma]

Use more flux. Small diameter solder has less flux inside.
Use 400F minimum.

 

[Netlist]

This might help:

Hugo

 

[Baldin]

Have used 350 deg with long thin tips until now. Put the tep up to 375 ... maybe 400 is better ... 350 seemd a bit high ... but 400 ...

 

[amplidude]

I've often used 450 for through hole with mentioned solder, perfect joints, takes a bit more skill to flow nicely

 

[Netlist]

The HF32 SMD should be OK with 183 - 190°.
The other one looks like it should be 227°. But I can't clearly see what is written on it from the pictures.

Hugo

 

[Baldin]

Hi Hugo

Thanks, yes it is what it says .... 183 - 190° for HF32 SMD and 227° for 2630 Ecoloy
Maybe I should have chosen the normal HF32 ... as it has 3.5% Flux ......

Thanks for the offer amplidude, but it seems to be very much the same as the 2630 ...

I'll try to put the temp a bit higher for the lead free

 

[Netlist]

A shiny clean tip is of utter importance, but of course you know that.

Hugo

 

[Baldin]

Yes and I use a completely new one in fact ... so that is for sure not it 😉

 

[theAnonymous1]

Try to get your hands on some Sn62/Pb36/Ag2. It's the only solder I've used for the past 20 years.

 

[Mark Johnson]

I am very happy with this setup

• Hakko FX-888
• Multicore solder / 63-37 / wire diameter .015" == 0.38 mm (sales link at DigiKey)
• Temperature 405C / 760F

Also take a look at the special exotic solder sold in the diyAudio Store. Many Forum members absolutely love it.

_

 

[JMFahey]

For home use, not manufacturing, you can still use leaded solder.

Keep your life simple 😉

If unavailable in Denmark (wouldn´t be surprised), import a spool from outside EU.

 

[rsavas]

I recommend AIM glowcore no clean leaded solder which I get at Mouser. I have two sizes

 

[edbarx]

I use leaded solder although I am ready to use the new unleaded solders if they have very similar properties like leaded solder. I have read that modern solders are brittle and they tend to develop dry joints after some years. If this is not true I might consider using non-leaded solder.

 

[rayma]

I would not use, nor recommend, non lead solder.