The Living Soldering Thread

[actionbastard]

also keep in mind that there's more than one way to heat things. there is contact and there is LAMINAR FLOW OF VERY HOT FLUIDS. basically, take a huge effing hot air gun and heat those oxidated suckers up, then take something really abrasive and abrade the **** out of it while it's hot.

Sand blaster? 

[mkawa]

keep in mind you need to leave the PCB and components intact...

[HoffmanMyster]

keep in mind you need to leave the PCB and components intact...

I'm not sure if that's directed at me, but if it is I won't have to worry - there is no PCB.  I'm just soldering to a bunch of contacts lined up in a row. 

A sand-blaster might actually work...   )

[mkawa]

DO IT AND TAKE PICS!!

[HoffmanMyster]

DO IT AND TAKE PICS!!

Haha, if only I had a sand blaster...

In other news, I have some DeoxIT (link) that is good for cleaning oxidation of contacts.  Unless you'd advise against trying that, I think I'll give that a go and see if it helps clean the contacts.

The reason I'm trying things other than the suggestions is because Radioshack (my only local supplier) seems to be incapable of carrying the flux pens in store - only online - and I want to get working on it tonight.  I will still check to see if they have any in-store by chance, but it seems unlikely.

[mkawa]

deoxit is great for cleaning oxidization at the micron level. go to the hardware store, get some steel wool or some 100 grit sandpaper and go to work

[domoaligato]

Thought I'd share this while I'm here. 1lb spool of 63/37 Kester 44 only $21.80 and shipping isn't outrageous like the other site. http://www.all-spec.com/products/KW4410.html

here is the .20 version also
http://www.all-spec.com/products/Soldering_and_Rework%7CSolder_and_Soldering_Chemicals%7CSOL-0C/KW4400.html

[oTurtlez]

Thought I'd share this while I'm here. 1lb spool of 63/37 Kester 44 only $21.80 and shipping isn't outrageous like the other site. http://www.all-spec.com/products/KW4410.html

here is the .20 version also
http://www.all-spec.com/products/Soldering_and_Rework%7CSolder_and_Soldering_Chemicals%7CSOL-0C/KW4400.html

They are a legit site too, so I'm going to order through them from now on.

[mkawa]

i will be completely amazed if you manage to get through more than a single lb of solder in your lifetime.

[HoffmanMyster]

i will be completely amazed if you manage to get through more than a single lb of solder in your lifetime.

I want to buy a lb and melt the whole thing down in an oven into a giant solder ball.  Does that count as "using" it?

[tjcaustin]

i will be completely amazed if you manage to get through more than a single lb of solder in your lifetime.

Hell, I use solder errday and I'm not sure I'll need much more than an LB.

[oTurtlez]

i will be completely amazed if you manage to get through more than a single lb of solder in your lifetime.

Hell, I use solder errday and I'm not sure I'll need much more than an LB.

I got some 0.031" I meant if I wanted to snag some 0.020" as well And I used almost a lb of solder alone when I wired my car with 1/0 for my audio setup. 1/0 ring terminals require a **** ton of solder... and a friggin propane torch to solder with haha.

[The_Beast]

That's why I ordered 4oz of .020" instead of getting a pound. It was around the same price per oz as a 1 pound roll of it and since I knew I wasn't going to be soldering a ton, it just made more sense to do that.

[oTurtlez]

That's why I ordered 4oz of .020" instead of getting a pound. It was around the same price per oz as a 1 pound roll of it and since I knew I wasn't going to be soldering a ton, it just made more sense to do that.

In retrospect I should've probably saved the money and went with that. No way I'm gonna use all of that. Plus I'll be away at school. Guess I'm bringing my iron with me

[The_Beast]

That's why I ordered 4oz of .020" instead of getting a pound. It was around the same price per oz as a 1 pound roll of it and since I knew I wasn't going to be soldering a ton, it just made more sense to do that.

In retrospect I should've probably saved the money and went with that. No way I'm gonna use all of that. Plus I'll be away at school. Guess I'm bringing my iron with me

You can always sell some here. I'm sure there are people who don't want a pound and you want to get rid of some......

[SpAmRaY]

That's why I ordered 4oz of .020" instead of getting a pound. It was around the same price per oz as a 1 pound roll of it and since I knew I wasn't going to be soldering a ton, it just made more sense to do that.

Where does one buy this small amount from?

[The_Beast]

Found a solder similar to the Kester 44. There is much less of but at a similar price per ounce since I doubt anyone is really going to need 1lbs of solder for keyboards. And it's .020" thick so it should be thin enough in diameter for SMD work


http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=SMDSW.020_4ozvirtualkey63560000virtualkey910-SMDSW.0204OZ

[mkawa]

that solder has no-clean flux. what we like about kester 44 is the fact that it has a very active (ie, very corroside) RA rosin flux. chip quik might still make a good RA rosin core solder though. i'm pretty MG chem still does, and their rosin is top notch.

edit: note that the major difference between no-clean and rosin flux is that no-clean is _not_ very active. hence, you don't have to clean it off the board after you solder. this is quite if you're processing 1 MILLION PCBs per minute, but if you're soldering like one a week you want the rosin.

[SpAmRaY]

that solder has no-clean flux. what we like about kester 44 is the fact that it has a very active (ie, very corroside) RA rosin flux. chip quik might still make a good RA rosin core solder though. i'm pretty MG chem still does, and their rosin is top notch.

edit: note that the major difference between no-clean and rosin flux is that no-clean is _not_ very active. hence, you don't have to clean it off the board after you solder. this is quite if you're processing 1 MILLION PCBs per minute, but if you're soldering like one a week you want the rosin.

If I wanted to get solder in small amounts would any of the following be worthwhile? I know were beating a dead horse...but I'm trying to absorb all the knowledge slowly


Kester 63/37 .031 Solder,Rosin Core #44, 20 ft, NOS

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111098191441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649


Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020" Dispense-Pak

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261152828428?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

or perhaps these

 MG Chemicals 4880 Series, Sn63/Pb37 Rosin Core Leaded Solder, 0.032" Diameter, 0.6 oz Pocket Pack

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00425DZGK

 Kester Pocket Pack Solder 60/40 0.031 0.50 oz. Tube

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068IJNQ

[actionbastard]

I dunno, I'm the kind of guy that would rather just spend the extra 10-15 bucks so I don't ever have to order any more in the foreseeable future.

[oTurtlez]

that solder has no-clean flux. what we like about kester 44 is the fact that it has a very active (ie, very corroside) RA rosin flux. chip quik might still make a good RA rosin core solder though. i'm pretty MG chem still does, and their rosin is top notch.

edit: note that the major difference between no-clean and rosin flux is that no-clean is _not_ very active. hence, you don't have to clean it off the board after you solder. this is quite if you're processing 1 MILLION PCBs per minute, but if you're soldering like one a week you want the rosin.

If I wanted to get solder in small amounts would any of the following be worthwhile? I know were beating a dead horse...but I'm trying to absorb all the knowledge slowly


Kester 63/37 .031 Solder,Rosin Core #44, 20 ft, NOS

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111098191441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649


Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020" Dispense-Pak

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261152828428?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

or perhaps these

 MG Chemicals 4880 Series, Sn63/Pb37 Rosin Core Leaded Solder, 0.032" Diameter, 0.6 oz Pocket Pack

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00425DZGK

 Kester Pocket Pack Solder 60/40 0.031 0.50 oz. Tube

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068IJNQ

That second link isn't a bad deal. If you want some good solder in a compact size I'd do it. I love those little tube packs for soldering. Though, ~$8 for 3/4 Oz is mad expensive. You can get a pound, which is almost 20x more for about 3x that price.

[The_Beast]

that solder has no-clean flux. what we like about kester 44 is the fact that it has a very active (ie, very corroside) RA rosin flux. chip quik might still make a good RA rosin core solder though. i'm pretty MG chem still does, and their rosin is top notch.

edit: note that the major difference between no-clean and rosin flux is that no-clean is _not_ very active. hence, you don't have to clean it off the board after you solder. this is quite if you're processing 1 MILLION PCBs per minute, but if you're soldering like one a week you want the rosin.

If I wanted to get solder in small amounts would any of the following be worthwhile? I know were beating a dead horse...but I'm trying to absorb all the knowledge slowly


Kester 63/37 .031 Solder,Rosin Core #44, 20 ft, NOS

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111098191441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649


Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020" Dispense-Pak

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261152828428?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

or perhaps these

 MG Chemicals 4880 Series, Sn63/Pb37 Rosin Core Leaded Solder, 0.032" Diameter, 0.6 oz Pocket Pack

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00425DZGK

 Kester Pocket Pack Solder 60/40 0.031 0.50 oz. Tube

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068IJNQ

That second link isn't a bad deal. If you want some good solder in a compact size I'd do it. I love those little tube packs for soldering. Though, ~$8 for 3/4 Oz is mad expensive. You can get a pound, which is almost 20x more for about 3x that price.

Considering that you can get 4 oz for around $12 in my link, it is mad expensive

[SpAmRaY]

that solder has no-clean flux. what we like about kester 44 is the fact that it has a very active (ie, very corroside) RA rosin flux. chip quik might still make a good RA rosin core solder though. i'm pretty MG chem still does, and their rosin is top notch.

edit: note that the major difference between no-clean and rosin flux is that no-clean is _not_ very active. hence, you don't have to clean it off the board after you solder. this is quite if you're processing 1 MILLION PCBs per minute, but if you're soldering like one a week you want the rosin.

If I wanted to get solder in small amounts would any of the following be worthwhile? I know were beating a dead horse...but I'm trying to absorb all the knowledge slowly


Kester 63/37 .031 Solder,Rosin Core #44, 20 ft, NOS

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111098191441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649


Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020" Dispense-Pak

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261152828428?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

or perhaps these

 MG Chemicals 4880 Series, Sn63/Pb37 Rosin Core Leaded Solder, 0.032" Diameter, 0.6 oz Pocket Pack

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00425DZGK

 Kester Pocket Pack Solder 60/40 0.031 0.50 oz. Tube

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068IJNQ

That second link isn't a bad deal. If you want some good solder in a compact size I'd do it. I love those little tube packs for soldering. Though, ~$8 for 3/4 Oz is mad expensive. You can get a pound, which is almost 20x more for about 3x that price.

Considering that you can get 4 oz for around $12 in my link, it is mad expensive

Ignoring price what about the actual solder

[oTurtlez]

that solder has no-clean flux. what we like about kester 44 is the fact that it has a very active (ie, very corroside) RA rosin flux. chip quik might still make a good RA rosin core solder though. i'm pretty MG chem still does, and their rosin is top notch.

edit: note that the major difference between no-clean and rosin flux is that no-clean is _not_ very active. hence, you don't have to clean it off the board after you solder. this is quite if you're processing 1 MILLION PCBs per minute, but if you're soldering like one a week you want the rosin.

If I wanted to get solder in small amounts would any of the following be worthwhile? I know were beating a dead horse...but I'm trying to absorb all the knowledge slowly


Kester 63/37 .031 Solder,Rosin Core #44, 20 ft, NOS

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111098191441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649


Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020" Dispense-Pak

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261152828428?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

or perhaps these

 MG Chemicals 4880 Series, Sn63/Pb37 Rosin Core Leaded Solder, 0.032" Diameter, 0.6 oz Pocket Pack

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00425DZGK

 Kester Pocket Pack Solder 60/40 0.031 0.50 oz. Tube

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068IJNQ

That second link isn't a bad deal. If you want some good solder in a compact size I'd do it. I love those little tube packs for soldering. Though, ~$8 for 3/4 Oz is mad expensive. You can get a pound, which is almost 20x more for about 3x that price.

Considering that you can get 4 oz for around $12 in my link, it is mad expensive

Ignoring price what about the actual solder

And then you can get 16oz for $22 in my link. This is just a vicious cycle. Soon someone will find a 10lb spool for $200.

As for Ray, the solder is Kester 44, it's the same as we've been posting so I presume it'll be just fine

[esoomenona]

that solder has no-clean flux. what we like about kester 44 is the fact that it has a very active (ie, very corroside) RA rosin flux. chip quik might still make a good RA rosin core solder though. i'm pretty MG chem still does, and their rosin is top notch.

edit: note that the major difference between no-clean and rosin flux is that no-clean is _not_ very active. hence, you don't have to clean it off the board after you solder. this is quite if you're processing 1 MILLION PCBs per minute, but if you're soldering like one a week you want the rosin.

If I wanted to get solder in small amounts would any of the following be worthwhile? I know were beating a dead horse...but I'm trying to absorb all the knowledge slowly


Kester 63/37 .031 Solder,Rosin Core #44, 20 ft, NOS

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111098191441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649


Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020" Dispense-Pak

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261152828428?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

or perhaps these

 MG Chemicals 4880 Series, Sn63/Pb37 Rosin Core Leaded Solder, 0.032" Diameter, 0.6 oz Pocket Pack

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00425DZGK

 Kester Pocket Pack Solder 60/40 0.031 0.50 oz. Tube

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068IJNQ

That second link isn't a bad deal. If you want some good solder in a compact size I'd do it. I love those little tube packs for soldering. Though, ~$8 for 3/4 Oz is mad expensive. You can get a pound, which is almost 20x more for about 3x that price.

Considering that you can get 4 oz for around $12 in my link, it is mad expensive

Ignoring price what about the actual solder

And then you can get 16oz for $22 in my link. This is just a vicious cycle. Soon someone will find a 10lb spool for $200.

As for Ray, the solder is Kester 44, it's the same as we've been posting so I presume it'll be just fine

ALL ABOARD THE QUOTE TRAIN!!

[oTurtlez]

that solder has no-clean flux. what we like about kester 44 is the fact that it has a very active (ie, very corroside) RA rosin flux. chip quik might still make a good RA rosin core solder though. i'm pretty MG chem still does, and their rosin is top notch.

edit: note that the major difference between no-clean and rosin flux is that no-clean is _not_ very active. hence, you don't have to clean it off the board after you solder. this is quite if you're processing 1 MILLION PCBs per minute, but if you're soldering like one a week you want the rosin.

If I wanted to get solder in small amounts would any of the following be worthwhile? I know were beating a dead horse...but I'm trying to absorb all the knowledge slowly


Kester 63/37 .031 Solder,Rosin Core #44, 20 ft, NOS

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111098191441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649


Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020" Dispense-Pak

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261152828428?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

or perhaps these

 MG Chemicals 4880 Series, Sn63/Pb37 Rosin Core Leaded Solder, 0.032" Diameter, 0.6 oz Pocket Pack

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00425DZGK

 Kester Pocket Pack Solder 60/40 0.031 0.50 oz. Tube

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068IJNQ

That second link isn't a bad deal. If you want some good solder in a compact size I'd do it. I love those little tube packs for soldering. Though, ~$8 for 3/4 Oz is mad expensive. You can get a pound, which is almost 20x more for about 3x that price.

Considering that you can get 4 oz for around $12 in my link, it is mad expensive

Ignoring price what about the actual solder

And then you can get 16oz for $22 in my link. This is just a vicious cycle. Soon someone will find a 10lb spool for $200.

As for Ray, the solder is Kester 44, it's the same as we've been posting so I presume it'll be just fine

ALL ABOARD THE QUOTE TRAIN!!

Choo Choo!

[MOZ]

Get 1lb and be done for life.

I had no option here in India, as only one shop in 800 shops in our electronics market had 63/37 solder, that too non-Kester-44. Minimum amount was 1lb for $9

[MJ45]

Get 1lb and be done for life.

I had no option here in India, as only one shop in 800 shops in our electronics market had 63/37 solder, that too non-Kester-44. Minimum amount was 1lb for $9
[/quote
With those pocket packs like M&G chemicals 0.6oz  63/37 .032  I was able to solder my Phantom and a couple of usb connectors. I would rather buy the small ones so its fresh, they are only a couple bucks a pack

[mkawa]

that solder has no-clean flux. what we like about kester 44 is the fact that it has a very active (ie, very corroside) RA rosin flux. chip quik might still make a good RA rosin core solder though. i'm pretty MG chem still does, and their rosin is top notch.

edit: note that the major difference between no-clean and rosin flux is that no-clean is _not_ very active. hence, you don't have to clean it off the board after you solder. this is quite if you're processing 1 MILLION PCBs per minute, but if you're soldering like one a week you want the rosin.

If I wanted to get solder in small amounts would any of the following be worthwhile? I know were beating a dead horse...but I'm trying to absorb all the knowledge slowly


Kester 63/37 .031 Solder,Rosin Core #44, 20 ft, NOS

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111098191441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649


Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020" Dispense-Pak

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261152828428?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

or perhaps these

 MG Chemicals 4880 Series, Sn63/Pb37 Rosin Core Leaded Solder, 0.032" Diameter, 0.6 oz Pocket Pack

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00425DZGK

 Kester Pocket Pack Solder 60/40 0.031 0.50 oz. Tube

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068IJNQ

my god. i've actually used every single one of those (although not in those sizes). i've never liked 60/40, but it has its uses in certain applications. the basic idea is that they are all high quality solders. MG chem, alpha metals, chemtronics, and kester all make FANTASTIC products. i may hate no-clean for hobbyist use, but even their no clean is extremely good given the constraints (all of them). choose based on flux type, solder diameter, price, alloy and quantity. you will be hard pressed to find a quantifiable difference between any of those manufacturers' comparable products in hobbyist use.

[Xenderwind]

so I may have broken my soldering iron after a total of 5 minutes.  I took it out and wanted to just use the hakko tip I bought and apparently it didnt fit over the heating element?(not sure if thats what it is) and the white part cracked/broke.  Oh and it still doesnt fit with part of it cracked off since the cover part wont screw on afterwards.

I haven't tested it yet, but any idea how bad this is?  Wasn't sure if this meant it was unsafe to use or wont heat the tip properly now.

[oTurtlez]

so I may have broken my soldering iron after a total of 5 minutes.  I took it out and wanted to just use the hakko tip I bought and apparently it didnt fit over the heating element?(not sure if thats what it is) and the white part cracked/broke.  Oh and it still doesnt fit with part of it cracked off since the cover part wont screw on afterwards.

I haven't tested it yet, but any idea how bad this is?  Wasn't sure if this meant it was unsafe to use or wont heat the tip properly now.

What kinda iron was it again? And that looks pretty serious bud.

[Xenderwind]

so I may have broken my soldering iron after a total of 5 minutes.  I took it out and wanted to just use the hakko tip I bought and apparently it didnt fit over the heating element?(not sure if thats what it is) and the white part cracked/broke.  Oh and it still doesnt fit with part of it cracked off since the cover part wont screw on afterwards.

I haven't tested it yet, but any idea how bad this is?  Wasn't sure if this meant it was unsafe to use or wont heat the tip properly now.

What kinda iron was it again? And that looks pretty serious bud.

the yihau 936

[jdcarpe]

I bet that HobbyKing would replace it for you under warranty if you contact them.

[SpAmRaY]

that solder has no-clean flux. what we like about kester 44 is the fact that it has a very active (ie, very corroside) RA rosin flux. chip quik might still make a good RA rosin core solder though. i'm pretty MG chem still does, and their rosin is top notch.

edit: note that the major difference between no-clean and rosin flux is that no-clean is _not_ very active. hence, you don't have to clean it off the board after you solder. this is quite if you're processing 1 MILLION PCBs per minute, but if you're soldering like one a week you want the rosin.

If I wanted to get solder in small amounts would any of the following be worthwhile? I know were beating a dead horse...but I'm trying to absorb all the knowledge slowly


Kester 63/37 .031 Solder,Rosin Core #44, 20 ft, NOS

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111098191441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649


Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020" Dispense-Pak

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261152828428?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

or perhaps these

 MG Chemicals 4880 Series, Sn63/Pb37 Rosin Core Leaded Solder, 0.032" Diameter, 0.6 oz Pocket Pack

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00425DZGK

 Kester Pocket Pack Solder 60/40 0.031 0.50 oz. Tube

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068IJNQ

my god. i've actually used every single one of those (although not in those sizes). i've never liked 60/40, but it has its uses in certain applications. the basic idea is that they are all high quality solders. MG chem, alpha metals, chemtronics, and kester all make FANTASTIC products. i may hate no-clean for hobbyist use, but even their no clean is extremely good given the constraints (all of them). choose based on flux type, solder diameter, price, alloy and quantity. you will be hard pressed to find a quantifiable difference between any of those manufacturers' comparable products in hobbyist use.

So for a noob soldering on keyboards would any of those 4 listed be a 'better' choice?

[oTurtlez]

that solder has no-clean flux. what we like about kester 44 is the fact that it has a very active (ie, very corroside) RA rosin flux. chip quik might still make a good RA rosin core solder though. i'm pretty MG chem still does, and their rosin is top notch.

edit: note that the major difference between no-clean and rosin flux is that no-clean is _not_ very active. hence, you don't have to clean it off the board after you solder. this is quite if you're processing 1 MILLION PCBs per minute, but if you're soldering like one a week you want the rosin.

If I wanted to get solder in small amounts would any of the following be worthwhile? I know were beating a dead horse...but I'm trying to absorb all the knowledge slowly


Kester 63/37 .031 Solder,Rosin Core #44, 20 ft, NOS

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111098191441?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649


Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020" Dispense-Pak

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261152828428?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

or perhaps these

 MG Chemicals 4880 Series, Sn63/Pb37 Rosin Core Leaded Solder, 0.032" Diameter, 0.6 oz Pocket Pack

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00425DZGK

 Kester Pocket Pack Solder 60/40 0.031 0.50 oz. Tube

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068IJNQ

my god. i've actually used every single one of those (although not in those sizes). i've never liked 60/40, but it has its uses in certain applications. the basic idea is that they are all high quality solders. MG chem, alpha metals, chemtronics, and kester all make FANTASTIC products. i may hate no-clean for hobbyist use, but even their no clean is extremely good given the constraints (all of them). choose based on flux type, solder diameter, price, alloy and quantity. you will be hard pressed to find a quantifiable difference between any of those manufacturers' comparable products in hobbyist use.

So for a noob soldering on keyboards would any of those 4 listed be a 'better' choice?

Any of the 63/37's would be the same.

[CPTBadAss]

Kester Pocket Pack Solder 60/40 0.031 0.50 oz. Tube

So for a noob soldering on keyboards would any of those 4 listed be a 'better' choice?
[/quote]

I use that. We used that at my internship.

[Xenderwind]

*sigh* I tested it and I think the crack ****ed with the sensor, so it looks like I'm ordering a soldering iron from amazon and wont get it till friday.  I have class all day tomorrow anyway :\ but still.

[tjcaustin]

*sigh* I tested it and I think the crack ****ed with the sensor, so it looks like I'm ordering a soldering iron from amazon and wont get it till friday.  I have class all day tomorrow anyway :\ but still.

Yeah, that ceramic part is fairly integral, too.  Gotta make sure your tips are the right ones for your device, bruh.

[Xenderwind]

*sigh* I tested it and I think the crack ****ed with the sensor, so it looks like I'm ordering a soldering iron from amazon and wont get it till friday.  I have class all day tomorrow anyway :\ but still.

Yeah, that ceramic part is fairly integral, too.  Gotta make sure your tips are the right ones for your device, bruh.

Eh, could have sworn I saw people saying the hakko tips work fine and this hakko tip was for the800 and 900 series.

[jdcarpe]

Tips for the 888 are different from tips for the 936. The ones for the Yihua should be like this: 900M-T-2.4D.

[Xenderwind]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ORB8J2/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 says backwards compatible with 900m which google shows https://www.hakko.com/english/tip_selection/series_900m.html
which lists the 936, but o well.  It's too late now.

[RabRhee]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ORB8J2/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 says backwards compatible with 900m which google shows https://www.hakko.com/english/tip_selection/series_900m.html
which lists the 936, but o well.  It's too late now.

Sucks about the element, I found a post that says the Hakko or Yihua 936 used the same tip, but its quite possible either it was erroneous or Yihua changed the design since then. :/ There are replacement elements around if that is what broke, but that may be chasing more stress rather than going for a new iron, especially if other things are different sizes / ratings between the two.

http://www.amazon.com/Amico-Replacement-Heating-Element-Soldering/dp/B00CQMHNC8/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1375311670&sr=1-1&keywords=936+heating+element

[Xenderwind]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ORB8J2/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 says backwards compatible with 900m which google shows https://www.hakko.com/english/tip_selection/series_900m.html
which lists the 936, but o well.  It's too late now.

Sucks about the element, I found a post that says the Hakko or Yihua 936 used the same tip, but its quite possible either it was erroneous or Yihua changed the design since then. :/ There are replacement elements around if that is what broke, but that may be chasing more stress rather than going for a new iron, especially if other things are different sizes / ratings between the two.

http://www.amazon.com/Amico-Replacement-Heating-Element-Soldering/dp/B00CQMHNC8/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1375311670&sr=1-1&keywords=936+heating+element

Yeah I think I would still need to desolder the old element+solder a new one, not to mention wait 3-4 weeks for it to come in.  So I just bit the bullet and bought a new soldering iron so I can go ahead and do my soldering this weekend.

[tjcaustin]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ORB8J2/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 says backwards compatible with 900m which google shows https://www.hakko.com/english/tip_selection/series_900m.html
which lists the 936, but o well.  It's too late now.

Sucks about the element, I found a post that says the Hakko or Yihua 936 used the same tip, but its quite possible either it was erroneous or Yihua changed the design since then. :/ There are replacement elements around if that is what broke, but that may be chasing more stress rather than going for a new iron, especially if other things are different sizes / ratings between the two.

http://www.amazon.com/Amico-Replacement-Heating-Element-Soldering/dp/B00CQMHNC8/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1375311670&sr=1-1&keywords=936+heating+element

Yeah I think I would still need to desolder the old element+solder a new one, not to mention wait 3-4 weeks for it to come in.  So I just bit the bullet and bought a new soldering iron so I can go ahead and do my soldering this weekend.

I'm assuming you mean the plug in part and not the whole station, right?

If I'm remembering jdcarpe right, you should have been able to get a true hakko wand at that point, which means no question that hakko 900 tips fit.

[Xenderwind]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ORB8J2/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 says backwards compatible with 900m which google shows https://www.hakko.com/english/tip_selection/series_900m.html
which lists the 936, but o well.  It's too late now.

Sucks about the element, I found a post that says the Hakko or Yihua 936 used the same tip, but its quite possible either it was erroneous or Yihua changed the design since then. :/ There are replacement elements around if that is what broke, but that may be chasing more stress rather than going for a new iron, especially if other things are different sizes / ratings between the two.

http://www.amazon.com/Amico-Replacement-Heating-Element-Soldering/dp/B00CQMHNC8/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1375311670&sr=1-1&keywords=936+heating+element

Yeah I think I would still need to desolder the old element+solder a new one, not to mention wait 3-4 weeks for it to come in.  So I just bit the bullet and bought a new soldering iron so I can go ahead and do my soldering this weekend.

I'm assuming you mean the plug in part and not the whole station, right?

If I'm remembering jdcarpe right, you should have been able to get a true hakko wand at that point, which means no question that hakko 900 tips fit.

I was just going to buy an aoyue station from amazon and get it here by friday. 

[tjcaustin]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ORB8J2/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 says backwards compatible with 900m which google shows https://www.hakko.com/english/tip_selection/series_900m.html
which lists the 936, but o well.  It's too late now.

Sucks about the element, I found a post that says the Hakko or Yihua 936 used the same tip, but its quite possible either it was erroneous or Yihua changed the design since then. :/ There are replacement elements around if that is what broke, but that may be chasing more stress rather than going for a new iron, especially if other things are different sizes / ratings between the two.

http://www.amazon.com/Amico-Replacement-Heating-Element-Soldering/dp/B00CQMHNC8/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1375311670&sr=1-1&keywords=936+heating+element

Yeah I think I would still need to desolder the old element+solder a new one, not to mention wait 3-4 weeks for it to come in.  So I just bit the bullet and bought a new soldering iron so I can go ahead and do my soldering this weekend.

I'm assuming you mean the plug in part and not the whole station, right?

If I'm remembering jdcarpe right, you should have been able to get a true hakko wand at that point, which means no question that hakko 900 tips fit.

I was just going to buy an aoyue station from amazon and get it here by friday.

Oh wow, the wands are a lot more expensive than I realized XD  Carry on

[Xenderwind]

Oh wow, the wands are a lot more expensive than I realized XD  Carry on

Yeah I think they were between $10-20 and would take until at the very least monday (ebay) to get here.  I'd rather just get a new station and have it here friday.

[tjcaustin]

Oh wow, the wands are a lot more expensive than I realized XD  Carry on

Yeah I think they were between $10-20 and would take until at the very least monday (ebay) to get here.  I'd rather just get a new station and have it here friday.

I was looking up the hakko ones through amazon, they're closer to $100

[oTurtlez]

Oh wow, the wands are a lot more expensive than I realized XD  Carry on

Yeah I think they were between $10-20 and would take until at the very least monday (ebay) to get here.  I'd rather just get a new station and have it here friday.

I was looking up the hakko ones through amazon, they're closer to $100

Not to mention the Hakko pens have the opposite plug as the Yihua pens. Yihua uses a female connector on the pen, male on the station. Hakko uses male on the pen and female on the station. They aren't cross compatible :/

[Tarzan]

Oh wow, the wands are a lot more expensive than I realized XD  Carry on

Yeah I think they were between $10-20 and would take until at the very least monday (ebay) to get here.  I'd rather just get a new station and have it here friday.

FWIW, the Aoyue soldering station I got from Amazon shipped with a spare element (but only one tip...).  I didn't know what it was, but from reading this thread, I'm glad I've got one on hand.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I30QBW/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1