RE: Solder shelf life (flux)?

[RBrigham1]

n a message dated 6/16/2007 6:43:24 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
[hidden email] writes:
> Does solder eventually "go bad?" I'm sure the metal components don't, but I
> wonder about the flux. I'm talking about a span of many years. I'm using
> Multicore MM00979. What I'm using now is fresh, but I'm placing a Newark order
> for other stuff and thought I might include some more solder if it doesn't
> spoil. Thanks.
>
Mike,
My uncle used to work for RCA back when they made computers. When they
dropped out of that business in the early 70's I inherited through him a large
quantity of 63/37 rosin core solder. I believe it was Kester but the label is long
gone. I am still using it and it works just fine. Conclusion, here is one vote
for an unknown brand that "doesn't go bad."
Rob
KC6ROC
K2 #5924    
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Don Wilhelm-3]

Mike,

I have had mixed results on that question.  I have had some old solder
that did not flow well.  I really don't know if it was age or that the
solder was junk to begin with.  I have trouble believing that solder
will 'go bad', so just try what you have and see what the results are -
if it does not flow nicely, put in in the box for plumbing repairs and
do not use it for electronic construction.

If you are buying new solder, I highly recommend the 63/37 alloy with a
mildly activated flux - Kester 44 is a highly activated flux and will
work OK, but will leave more flux residue than I like to see.  For work
with plated thru-hole boards, I recommend a solder diameter of no grater
than .02 inches - I use .015 inch diameter myself and I can control the
amount of solder applied easily.  With the larger diameter solders, by
the time it begins to flow, there is already too much solder on the
connection.

73,
Don W3FPR

[hidden email] wrote:
> n a message dated 6/16/2007 6:43:24 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
> [hidden email] writes:
>> Does solder eventually "go bad?" I'm sure the metal components don't, but I
>> wonder about the flux. I'm talking about a span of many years. I'm using
>> Multicore MM00979. What I'm using now is fresh, but I'm placing a Newark order
>> for other stuff and thought I might include some more solder if it doesn't
>> spoil. Thanks.
>>
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com