Solder for general electronics work?

freebooter · 13 May 2015 at 23:02

I need to get some solder. The first project will be building an edtracker so soldering small pcbs to headers and a switch. After that just for general electronics repairs/projects.

I think all the solder I have used previously was 60/40 but I saw a video recently recommending 63/37 and claiming it was less likely to create a bad joint but it seems less common.

Also what thickness should I get?

StriderX · 13 May 2015 at 23:02

But its almost midnight

Mynight · 13 May 2015 at 23:05

About 5mm is the best iirc.

Monkeynut · 13 May 2015 at 23:15

If you want to avoid a bad joint best thing to do is make sure the contacts are heated up first, a lot of people overlook this and wonder why their solder is not attaching properly.

leezer3 · 13 May 2015 at 23:15

Absolute must is to get leaded solder and some decent flux.
IMHO don't buy flux-cored solder, but that's somewhat of a personal preference.

Unleaded is awful, awful stuff, and bad flux will wreck your day by leaving sticky residue over everything. Same applies to overusing flux.

Further than that, the smallest tip you can comfortably get away with; Think about the total size of what you're heating up in relation to the tip.

Solder size is somewhere bottom of the list of the things I'd be concerned about; So long as it melts onto the iron, you're probably fine.

-Leezer-

Rroff · 14 May 2015 at 01:16

Both types have different pros/cons, I don't bother with flux unless doing SMD work/anything below SOIC - its pretty much essential for hand soldering SSOP, etc. I'm not a fan of flux core either but you should be cleaning up with something along the lines of isopropyl alcohol anyhow.

60/40 tends to be a bit harder to manipulate - whereas 63/37 can be easier to create intentional solder bridges and in the case of SMD harder to create accidental bridges when drag soldering, etc. but I've found 60/40 possibly better for more generalised use.

I usually use a 0.5-1mm needle tip for smaller stuff, for general repairs especially mains, car wiring, etc. a spade tip can be useful. I usually use 0.6mm or smaller solder.

EDIT: Be aware of soldering flux designed for plumbing as its not really ideal for electronics - can probably get away with it if you clean off any residue 110% when your done but a lot of it is corrosive.