Does the stuff you solder with have lead in it

**Jurrasic** · Nov21-09, 07:36 PM

If you want to soldier something, then, how can you check to be that whatever you are soldering has no lead present?

**turbo-1** · Nov21-09, 07:38 PM

I repair old tube amps. Yes, the solder has lead in it.

**f95toli** · Nov21-09, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Jurrasic

If you want to soldier something, then, how can you check to be that whatever you are soldering has no lead present?

Buy lead-free solder...
The type of solder that is used commercially nowadays does not contain any lead. But if you are a hobbyist you can still buy solder with lead in it (the most common type being 60/40)

Also, you should avoid mixing lead-free and leaded solder, which can be a problem if you are reparing something.

**Integral** · Nov21-09, 09:02 PM

I have encountered what I believe to be lead free solder on my last couple of fixes. It must have a higher melting point then regular 60/40 solder as my poor old soldering iron barely has the power to melt it. I found that by adding regular solder I could get it to melt and was able to remove it. I replaced it with regular solder, both my repairs, a power supply for a plasma big screen and a old motherboard seem to be doing fine.

What are the problems with mixing the two?

**dlgoff** · Nov21-09, 09:41 PM

So Jurrasic. You didn't say what you are soldering. I use silver solder for copper tubing.

**berkeman** · Nov22-09, 02:46 AM

Originally Posted by Integral

What are the problems with mixing the two?

I'm just guessing, but I think it may be the different melting temperatures. If you have a mix, then part of the solder joint may have a good fillet, and part may not. Especially if the PCB undergoes stress, shock or vibration (like in portable devices), inadequate fillets can lead to premature solder joint failure.

**Born2bwire** · Nov22-09, 05:15 AM

Originally Posted by Integral

I have encountered what I believe to be lead free solder on my last couple of fixes. It must have a higher melting point then regular 60/40 solder as my poor old soldering iron barely has the power to melt it. I found that by adding regular solder I could get it to melt and was able to remove it. I replaced it with regular solder, both my repairs, a power supply for a plasma big screen and a old motherboard seem to be doing fine.

What are the problems with mixing the two?

Uggg, yeah. I have tried lead free solder a few times and did not like the performance or behavior of the solder. I'm sticking to lead solder for now.