Is all solder the same?

[vanguard_anon]

I have a small solder job on my buggy tomorrow but I think the solder in my garage is left over from a plumbing project. Will it work or do I need to go out and buy something else?

[cybergeek23851]

Acid cored solder is corrosive to electrical components. Always use rosin core for electronics or electrical related projects.

[trkklr77]

yeah dont use plumbing solder.

its also very thick and too clumsy to use on elec.


go buy resin core small diam. very very cheap and much much easier to use. it is also different composition and flows and reheats much easier.

[vanguard_anon]

Thanks guys, that's what I'll do.

[SeaBass44]

even ace hardware has rosin core stuff for electrical.

[cybergeek23851]

even ace hardware has rosin core stuff for electrical.

For that matter, even Wal-Mart :laughing:

[Shefron]

I would look for 60/40 stuff that contains lead. The new silver solder sucks.

[PTSchram]

I would look for 60/40 stuff that contains lead. The new silver solder sucks.

I disagree. I like the way the silver stuff flows.

[Shefron]

I disagree. I like the way the silver stuff flows.

We tried to switch over to the stuff at work but it was more a hassle. Silver solder requires higher temps to melt and that would damage the circuit cards.

[PTSchram]

We tried to switch over to the stuff at work but it was more a hassle. Silver solder requires higher temps to melt and that would damage the circuit cards.

For your application, perhaps. In my applications, I find the silver flows much better and I find it to be no harder to use than tin/lead solder

[Shefron]

For your application, perhaps. In my applications, I find the silver flows much better and I find it to be no harder to use than tin/lead solder

For tinning\soldering wires it should work good. You must not have a cheap low powered solder gun.

[PTSchram]

For tinning\soldering wires it should work good. You must not have a cheap low powered solder gun.

I don't have any cheap soldering equipment. Half the key to success in soldering is having good tools.

[Shefron]

I don't have any cheap soldering equipment. Half the key to success in soldering is having good tools.

Yep. I have no issue with the silver stuff but I bought a weller solder iron but I can't believe they sell that stuff with cheapie ones.