- #1
Jurrasic
- 98
- 0
If you want to soldier something, then, how can you check to be that whatever you are soldering has no lead present?
Does the stuff you solder with have lead in it
- Thread starter Jurrasic
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Lead
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the presence of lead in solder used for various applications, particularly in the context of repairs and soldering techniques. Participants explore the differences between leaded and lead-free solder, their melting points, and the implications of mixing the two types.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Experimental/applied
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that traditional solder, particularly the 60/40 type, contains lead, while others mention the availability of lead-free solder in commercial use.
- One participant reports difficulties melting lead-free solder with a standard soldering iron, suggesting it has a higher melting point than leaded solder.
- Concerns are raised about the potential problems of mixing leaded and lead-free solder, particularly regarding the quality of solder joints under stress or vibration.
- Another participant expresses a preference for lead solder based on their experiences with lead-free solder, indicating dissatisfaction with its performance.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the use of leaded versus lead-free solder, with no consensus on the best practices for soldering or the implications of mixing the two types. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal solder choice for various applications.
Contextual Notes
Participants mention varying experiences with solder types, including melting points and performance, but do not provide definitive conclusions on the best practices or outcomes of mixing solders.
- #2
turbo
Gold Member
- 3,181
- 57
I repair old tube amps. Yes, the solder has lead in it.
- #3
f95toli
Science Advisor
- 3,510
- 1,073
Jurrasic said:
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.
- #4
Integral
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Gold Member
- 7,232
- 66
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?
What are the problems with mixing the two?
- #5
dlgoff
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 4,458
- 3,265
So Jurrasic. You didn't say what you are soldering. I use silver solder for copper tubing. 
- #6
berkeman
Admin
- 69,531
- 25,109
Integral said:
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.
- #7
Born2bwire
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 1,780
- 24
Integral said:
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.
Similar threads
- · Replies 26 ·
- · Replies 38 ·
- · Replies 20 ·
- · Replies 7 ·
- · Replies 4 ·
- · Replies 19 ·
- · Replies 2 ·
- · Replies 13 ·