Help - Run out of Solder

[PostModN66]

After about 20 years of working through a big heavy reel of solder, I have finally come to the end.   In the meantime as I understand it, the world has changed, smoking is banned in pubs, everyone is on Twitter and solder doesn't come with lead in any more....or something...

I am talking about ordinary multicore solder used for wiring, not solder for making kits.

What should I do? Have I got the story straight about it being lead free?  Is modern stuff as good?  And if I wanted to get some of the same stuff I have been using all these years, where could I get it and what spec. should I look for?

Any help gratefully received....

Jon 

[edwin_m]

I believe you can still get leaded solder for personal use - it's only banned in commercial products.  I got a reel from Rapid Electronics, a few years ago now but after the ban came into effect. 

[Sprintex]

Plenty of leaded solder available on Ebay usually, that's where I got my last two reels

Don't bother with the lead-free stuff, it's rubbish and will make you doubt your own soldering capabilities - it appears to be non-stick 


Paul

[andy.t.south]

Try these people on E-bay I have just had an order from them next day service seems to be standard very impressed and the solder good quality plus they always having special offers put this number into E-bay search get you into their site and have a look round   140986939286 .Cheers Andy

[PostModN66]

Try these people on E-bay I have just had an order from them next day service seems to be standard very impressed and the solder good quality plus they always having special offers put this number into E-bay search get you into their site and have a look round   140986939286 .Cheers Andy

Thanks Andy (and Paul and Edwin)

Unfortunately that seller is on holiday at the moment according to e-bay, so I have bought some from another e-bay supplier!   I will return to your link though - seems very good value

Cheers  Jon 

[RussellH]

Hi Jon

http://www.rapidonline.com/tools-equipment/multicore-solder-wire-60-40-18swg-1-2mm-60en-362-0-5kg-85-6210

Regards
Russ

[Bigric]

Sorry this is a bit late but when I ran out a couple of years ago , someone on thev Squires stand at an exhibition recommended Carrs 188 (solder , don't know anything about the paint or paste) . Works perfectly every time on my electrical joints (though I think it's intended for sheet metal like brass) together with my Solderpro gas iron - perfect combo for me !!! Cheers , Ric