question about what solder to use?

mrbill2084

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I just picked up some rolls of solder and I am a bit confused as to their application. I think 96 and 63 are higher tin content. Are they better?

all are kester solder
1: alloy: sn96 flux: 282 core:66
2: alloy: sn63 flux: 282 core:66
3: alloy: 60%tin 40%lead flux: roisn core core: 66

led free solder
4: alloy: sn961g04 flux: 285 core: #58?

The only one I have tried so far is #4. I tried it on the hot and regulator on a g07 chassis and it was not holding very well. I also tried it on a coin door switch and same problem. I switched to my old role (I think its #3) and it worked fine on those items.

#4 did work ok putting the caps in on the go7. The only diffrence I could tell was that when it dried it looked dull(I think I read that flux 285 dries to a powder).

I did find this page and it has some useful info.
http://www.logwell.com/tech/servtips/solder.html
 
60/40 rosin core is your standard, do it all, solder.
 
If you don't care about being green,
63/37 Sn/Pb is the alloy
60/40 is okay...

The Ag/Cu/Sn alloys I've used have been nothing but trouble, but they are 'green'.
 
I use Kester #66/285 0.5mm-- 63/36 SN/PB with mildly active rosin in 0.5mm diameter. My 1lb roll will likely outlast me. While I like to be "green", my understanding is that soldering lead-free is challenging. I am competent at soldering, but not a master by any means so did not want the extra hassle of lead free. I use this to solder everything from 0.8mm SMT to all my arcade stuff. If you are not doing any SMT, then you might want something with a little larger diameter.
 
I agree the led free is not worth messing with.. Anyone need a 1lb roll..

I am curious if the 1: alloy: sn96 flux: 282 core:66 will be the same trouble using as the led free stuff since they are both sn96... Going to have to give it a try.

This is more than a lifetime supply of solder for me. I will probably keep 2 rolls and get rid of the rest. Thanks for the advice.
 
Take that damn #4 lead free crap and throw it in the trash.
BWAHAHAAA! That's so true! Well spoken, sir!

As far as being green, lead-free solder is worthless for repairs on lead-based products like our beloved 30 year old machines. Just saying...
 
I agree the led free is not worth messing with.. Anyone need a 1lb roll..

I am curious if the 1: alloy: sn96 flux: 282 core:66 will be the same trouble using as the led free stuff since they are both sn96... Going to have to give it a try.

This is more than a lifetime supply of solder for me. I will probably keep 2 rolls and get rid of the rest. Thanks for the advice.


Sounds like 1 and 4 are the same solder with a different flux...
Anything that high in tin has to be lead free.
 
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