Which solder. Do we still need led??

[Colinevan]

Hey guys.

Iv just ran out of deans solder ( stuff with led and silver in it ) and before i order more, i was just wondering what solder everyone else uses.

As the deans stuff is quite expensive compared to what i see on ebay etc, i was wondering is it ideal for us to still have led in as part of the contents. Deans like to give you a nice warning on the container and how its banned in certain states lol.

So what solder do you use, have you every had any problems with items becoming de soldered ( deans stuff has never done that for me in the past ).

Thanks and id be interested to hear the theories behind the led situation.

Col.

[blue_pinky]

Leaded solder is easier to use, but banned under manufacturing laws in this country due to the current legislation.

Lead free solder works fine too, it's a little harder to use, but not by a lot in terms of our type of soldering.

Bigger problem will be not mixing the two types, as that probably won't work too well.

If your not in manufacturing, and if you can get leaded solder then I wouldn't worry about it, get it and use it! But if you can't get it, then the lead free will also work fine, just be careful to clean off the 2 things your soldering as best you can if they already have leaded on them.

It's not really that big a deal to be honest, and you shouldn't have desoldering issues with either as long as your careful and good with the soldering!

I'm still using leaded solder BTW as I still have a real of it, but know of the lead free situation via work.

[Colinevan]

I see explains a lot cheers.

Any recommendations for a particular brand?

Thanks again.

Col.

[blue_pinky]

Don't know to be honest...I got mine via work I think, and ages ago as it was "lying around" so can't help with brands or where to get it from I'm affraid. I'm sure someone else can help with that

[Craig]

Leaded solder is still quite easy to come across....

Rapid electronics sell it, currently £2.97 a reel.

[Southwell]

After using normal store bought solder i suffered desoldering on very hot days, gave up and used Deans and have never had the problem since. Id rather pay the extra and not have to worry.

[Rich D]

Schumacher stuff works well flows nicely and allows you to get those shiny soldered connections with practice

[jensen]

lead free solder often looks shinier because it can contain silver and it generally has a higher melting point than leaded. Dont be fooled into paying more than you have to though. Maplins or Rapids gear will be just as good as RC branded stuff.
If you are melting joints during racing then you have serious overheating problems as leaded solder melts at around 200 degrees C and lead free around 220 degrees C.

As said above though by other posters, leaded is plenty good enough.