Solder Recommendations.

[Alex Jones]

Hi guys,

I've tried a search here but my phone doesn't seem to handle the site very well so sorry if this has already been tackled.

I'm about to start messing around with a cheap, small tube Dac and am looking for recommendations on which solder to buy or, if someone could link me to the relevant thread here on the forum I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[jsantoro]

I use Kester "44" 63/37. Can't go wrong with it. Stay away from lead free if you are just starting out. Also stay away from no name imports.

 

[RJM1]

Agreed stay away from lead free as long as you can, like the avionics corporations (who do not have to use lead free solder do to problems with reliability). Unfortunately lead free and leaded solders do not mix well. Use leaded with leaded and unleaded with unleaded when soldering.

 

[rszemeti]

Never had any problem using lead free, takes a day to get used to it, then it works just like you expect. Not used any leaded solder in a decade now, it's really not an issue.

 

[nigelwright7557]

Never had any problem using lead free, takes a day to get used to it, then it works just like you expect. Not used any leaded solder in a decade now, it's really not an issue.

Lead free is ok over short durations but unleaded starts to whisker over time eventually leading to shorts between close components.