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Lead free solder is better for your health, that's clear. It requires new tools (solder iron) as lead free solder has a higher melting point than lead free. In

Lead free solder is better for your health, that's clear. It requires new tools (solder iron) as lead free solder has a higher melting point than lead free. In Europe lead free solder is the standard since many (10+) years, you can't get leaded solder as an option to buy.

stdbrouw 7y ago
That's nonsense, it is still very easy to get leaded solder in Europe.
- jdmoreira 7y ago
  Not in Sweden that’s for sure. It took me a long search to find some a while back when I needed it
  - unwind 7y ago
    Wow, I was going to post some trivial links to common national shops that were full of the stuff last time I looked, but ... nothing. It seems to be due to a EU regulation that became active March 1 2018 here in Sweden, it's no longer legal to sell metal alloys containing more than 0.3% (!) lead to individuals [1]. I had no idea, thanks! [1]: https://www.kemi.se/lagar-och-regler/reach-forordningen/begransning/forbjudet-att-salja-lodtenn-med-bly-till-privatpersoner https://www.kemi.se/lagar-och-regler/reach-forordningen/begr...
  - stdbrouw 7y ago
    Actually, yes, it looks like I didn't have the full truth either: as recently as 2 or 3 years ago you could still buy leaded solder in most places (in Europe), but the store in Germany where I used to order it, doesn't sell any anymore.
- cientifico 7y ago
  Not in Spain. I remember the change at around 2003/2005, where the seller just gave me the lead free version. For what I remember, the lead free had a higher melting temperature. At least back in the days. Took one week to get used to.
- dbrgn 7y ago
  I last bought some 2kg of Fluitin 1532 leaded solder in Switzerland back in 2017. They still offer the leaded version in the online shop I got it from. Definitely still easily available. That stuff will last me for a few years. However, once it's used up, I guess I'll try switching to lead-free as well.
Lev1a 7y ago
Have to agree with my sibling comment. Just a few months ago I bought my first soldering iron. Not only was the little bit solder included with the iron of the Sn60Pb40 variety but also almost all of the solder products on the shelves at my local "Bauhaus" (a home improvement market chain). For anyone that cares: brand of iron and solder was "Rothenberger Industrial". Relatively cheap but looked like a good and sturdy tool which from my yet limited hobbyist experience it seems to be.
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stdbrouw 7y ago

That's nonsense, it is still very easy to get leaded solder in Europe.

jdmoreira 7y ago
Not in Sweden that’s for sure. It took me a long search to find some a while back when I needed it
- unwind 7y ago
  Wow, I was going to post some trivial links to common national shops that were full of the stuff last time I looked, but ... nothing. It seems to be due to a EU regulation that became active March 1 2018 here in Sweden, it's no longer legal to sell metal alloys containing more than 0.3% (!) lead to individuals [1]. I had no idea, thanks! [1]: https://www.kemi.se/lagar-och-regler/reach-forordningen/begransning/forbjudet-att-salja-lodtenn-med-bly-till-privatpersoner https://www.kemi.se/lagar-och-regler/reach-forordningen/begr...
- stdbrouw 7y ago
  Actually, yes, it looks like I didn't have the full truth either: as recently as 2 or 3 years ago you could still buy leaded solder in most places (in Europe), but the store in Germany where I used to order it, doesn't sell any anymore.
cientifico 7y ago
Not in Spain. I remember the change at around 2003/2005, where the seller just gave me the lead free version. For what I remember, the lead free had a higher melting temperature. At least back in the days. Took one week to get used to.
dbrgn 7y ago
I last bought some 2kg of Fluitin 1532 leaded solder in Switzerland back in 2017. They still offer the leaded version in the online shop I got it from. Definitely still easily available. That stuff will last me for a few years. However, once it's used up, I guess I'll try switching to lead-free as well.

Lev1a 7y ago

Have to agree with my sibling comment. Just a few months ago I bought my first soldering iron. Not only was the little bit solder included with the iron of the Sn60Pb40 variety but also almost all of the solder products on the shelves at my local "Bauhaus" (a home improvement market chain). For anyone that cares: brand of iron and solder was "Rothenberger Industrial". Relatively cheap but looked like a good and sturdy tool which from my yet limited hobbyist experience it seems to be.

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