What size diameter solder is good for pcb repairs?

Try not use multi core solder. It tends to need more heat to melt. Well general that not a problem on Newer boards but Old dried out PCB board where traces tend to lift anything to reduce the time and any excess heat transfer is a good thing.
 
Try not use multi core solder. It tends to need more heat to melt. Well general that not a problem on Newer boards but Old dried out PCB board where traces tend to lift anything to reduce the time and any excess heat transfer is a good thing.

Flux is your friend. :)
 
Thanks for all the info guys. I know lead free sucks shit and that's what I've been using this whole time wondering why soldering was so difficult lol

I read up on it a bit and looks like 60/40 Rosin core is a good choice. I was also curious about the diameter size so now I know what sizes others are using on here.
 
Thanks for all the info guys. I know lead free sucks shit and that's what I've been using this whole time wondering why soldering was so difficult lol

I just noticed you're in Canada.......land of "lead free".

Find you a Radio Shack across the border....and get yourself some real solder:D.

The 60/40 Radio Shack solder is actually very good.

Edward
 
Whatever you use......stay away from LEAD FREE solder. It's just horrid.

Edward

UNLESS you're working a on a post-RoHS board that was done with lead-free solder in the first place... you'll need to turn your iron up plenty higher to get the solder on the board to melt at all, and the leaded solder has a habit of spraying all over the place when your iron is that hot. I have a scar on one of my knuckles from learning this the hard way...
 
I use Kester 44 0.031" 63/37 for most arcade-related work. I have thinner solder for SMT work and thicker stuff for filter caps etc., but I think 0.031" is the ideal size for most thru-hole PCB repairs.

I just noticed you're in Canada.......land of "lead free".

Find you a Radio Shack across the border....and get yourself some real solder:D.

Lead solder is readily available in Canada. You can buy it at The Source (formerly Radio Shack) but they only sell small spools I think. It's cheaper in the long run to get a 1lb spool from a "real" electronics store. e.g. http://www.futureelectronics.com/en...r/solder-wire/Pages/4393252-24-6337-0027.aspx
 
I have a roll of some huge sized solder for working on monitors...

PC boards get .032 rosin or no-clean core.

I don't have anything yet for lead free work... that's going to take a lead free solder station to keep from burning up the tips on my regular stations from the extra heat.

I have about 20 pounds of rosin core solder here. :) I stocked up just in case they decide to phase it out totally... besides, I got it at a price that I would've been crazy to pass up.

RJ
 
Flux is your friend. :)
Old flux is my best buddy
I got a few gallons. Smiles

It's always best to stock up on the old solder you know they will pass a law sooner or later to unlaw the use of it. Just so it will prevent kids from eating it.
I scored on an old can of freon solvent not to long ago. I am a happy camper
 
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Personally I like .062 60/40 but you have to be carefull and stingy with it.
All around good general size for me but that's what I've used most of my life.
I've been soldering since 17 and am now 49 so a few years experience behind me.
Admittedly, I do keep a smaller dia spool around, but rarely need ot use it.
 
Old flux is my best buddy
I got a few gallons. Smiles

It's always best to stock up on the old solder you know they will pass a law sooner or later to unlaw the use of it. Just so it will prevent kids from eating it.
I scored on an old can of freon solvent not to long ago. I am a happy camper

I have some Kester no clean flux and was told it's only good for 12 months (have i been had?)

damn R-12 and earlier is like finding gold >.< (those are getting super rare to find).
 
I have some Kester no clean flux and was told it's only good for 12 months (have i been had?)

damn R-12 and earlier is like finding gold >.< (those are getting super rare to find).

I use the Old flux you have to clean afterwards. Yes, it a pain to clean but the solder flows so so well :)

As for the R-12 problem have you ever thought of using an compressor out a refrigerator and finding old air conditioners/ old cars. I had a friend who use to extract r12 out of old homes and cars? Sometime you can find R12 through the maintenance guy at the school bus yard.

I swear I need to start a Little business to vampiring out the R12 in your old junk car before you send it to pick a parts. LOL
 
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