Chinese solder wire brands?

[kalel]

I'm curious to some Chinese brand (or tried) solder wire that performs well.

I know that both defined weight and quality of some solder wire described on Aliexpress and eBay can vary.

However, there might be quality solder wire brands in China. Do you know of any? Or have you been able to buy solder that works well?

Of course, I know that branded solder purchased from local electronics stores is a much safer bet (and it just works), but there might have been someone who had purchased solder wire from China and is happy with the results.

[CopperCone]

roll the dice

[sleemanj]

While anything from China is a gamble, I have no complaints about "Best" brand solder, 0.4mm and 2.25% flux. I've used plenty of Chinese solder, and this is the best one I've stumbled across.



I bought mine from Taobao, but it's sold on Aliexpress etc as well, but again, as with anything from China, you never know what you're gonna get.

[kalel]

Yes, you never know what you're going to get, that's why the question. If someone has used a specific type and it seems to work well, you at least have better odds than picking one randomly. With branded wire, you can go by ingredients and you shouldn't worry about the brand itself. In this case, the best way to choose is by experience.

[nanofrog]

Another member created an entire thread, Quick dirt-cheap ebay solder comparison that might be of some interest. Given the results and comments in other threads regarding what solder to get, it just seems both financially foolish and rather aggravating to use the Chinese stuff available on eBay, Aliexpress, DX, ...

If you're after something specific or good price - performance in a particular region/market, someone here would be able to point you in the right direction.

[electronicsdude]

Where can one actually get good solder? Is there a list?

[nanofrog]

Where can one actually get good solder? Is there a list?

Plenty of threads on this.

I posted a link for a particular roll of MG Chemicals 63/37 in the code thread (TEquipment carries it). It's good stuff and will make very nice joints. I'd also suggest getting some additional liquid and/or gel flux (the latter is more commonly used for SMD IC's).

TEquipment carries MG Chemicals 835 in a hobbyist friendly sized bottle. It's the liquid version of what's in the linked solder wire, and is much less expensive than buying disposable pens. There are numerous inexpensive dispensing methods you can use (dip a small brush in a small container, or refillable versions such as a nail polish bottle w/ brush in cap, brush pen, needle bottle, or a syringe).

For flux paste, TEquipment carries MG Chemicals 8441-10ML no-clean paste.

They also carry MG Chemicals 425-NS No-Clean Super Wick if you need desolder wick/braid as well.

[matseng]

All of these are just horrible.  But the 63/40 alloy is kinda funny - it must be some kinda overdrive turbo solder with 103% metal, but still solders like crap. ;-)

[kalel]

It's definitely good to know these things.

Has anyone experienced the "mechanic" brand? They have Sn42Bi58 as well as leaded 63/37 (possibly other formulations too). It costs a bit more than the cheapest ones.



Also, the list of ingredients is more filled out than some Chinese brands (that say e.g. 2% of something, but not what). To be fair, I don't even understand all of the data, mostly the CI(or L) and expansion.

[nanofrog]

It's definitely good to know these things.

Has anyone experienced the "mechanic" brand? They have Sn42Bi58 as well as leaded 63/37 (possibly other formulations too). It costs a bit more than the cheapest ones.

Also, the list of ingredients is more filled out than some Chinese brands (that say e.g. 2% of something, but not what).

When I think of Mechanic brand, I think of solder paste, not wire.

FWIW, incomplete content specs like what you describe drives me nuts. This is where sticking with a well known brand is really useful IME, as they actually provide complete information. 

[kalel]

When I think of Mechanic brand, I think of solder paste, not wire.

Is the solder paste good? That doesn't have to mean anything about the wire, but could say something about the brand.

[nanofrog]

When I think of Mechanic brand, I think of solder paste, not wire.

Is the solder paste good? That doesn't have to mean anything about the wire, but could say something about the brand.

Meh, not so great.

When it comes to consumables, stick to known brands and purchase them from distributors. Far less expensive in the long run, and you skip all the aggravation associated with using products that don't perform properly.

[Bud]

I would not touch with a 10 feet barge pole anything that involves Chinese chemicals. Guys using it - good luck with your breathing .

[amyk]

While anything from China is a gamble, I have no complaints about "Best" brand solder, 0.4mm and 2.25% flux. I've used plenty of Chinese solder, and this is the best one I've stumbled across.

You mean "this is the Best one I've stumbled across"?

Their slogan should be "Best -- when Goot just isn't Goot enough."

[electronicsdude]

Where can one actually get good solder? Is there a list?

Plenty of threads on this.

I posted a link for a particular roll of MG Chemicals 63/37 in the code thread (TEquipment carries it). It's good stuff and will make very nice joints. I'd also suggest getting some additional liquid and/or gel flux (the latter is more commonly used for SMD IC's).

TEquipment carries MG Chemicals 835 in a hobbyist friendly sized bottle. It's the liquid version of what's in the linked solder wire, and is much less expensive than buying disposable pens. There are numerous inexpensive dispensing methods you can use (dip a small brush in a small container, or refillable versions such as a nail polish bottle w/ brush in cap, brush pen, needle bottle, or a syringe).

For flux paste, TEquipment carries MG Chemicals 8441-10ML no-clean paste.

They also carry MG Chemicals 425-NS No-Clean Super Wick if you need desolder wick/braid as well.

Hey, thanks for the informative reply, I'm probably getting everything you recommended.. What is the difference between the flux paste and the rosin bottle?  Also, the solder wire you recommended is 0.025 inch or 0.6mm, is that too thick? Dave recommended wire that is thinner than 0.2 inch. I found this more affordable wick, https://www.tequipment.net/ElencoSW-3.html?OrderItemId=5238804 , is this any good? Seems to have good reviews.

[nanofrog]

Hey, thanks for the informative reply, I'm probably getting everything you recommended.. What is the difference between the flux paste and the rosin bottle?  Also, the solder wire you recommended is 0.025 inch or 0.6mm, is that too thick? Dave recommended wire that is thinner than 0.2 inch. I found this more affordable wick, https://www.tequipment.net/ElencoSW-3.html?OrderItemId=5238804 , is this any good? Seems to have good reviews.

In regard to the fluxes, paste is just that; a paste (think similar to petroleum jelly/petrolatum in terms of viscosity), while the contents in the bottle is a liquid. Personally, I find I use the liquid more frequently than gel/paste flux given past experience with disposable pens and better precision dispensing it (I use a brush pen).

Wire size is really up to you; for general purpose, .032", .025", or .020" work very well (personal preference comes into play here as well). Do keep in mind, that if you're doing mostly PTH, the larger diameters will work better as you don't have to feed as much length into the joint, allowing you to make them quicker. The finer you go for the same size & type of joint, you'll have to feed in more wire which can cause you to keep the heat on longer to form a proper joint (dwell time).

As you didn't indicate what you'll be doing the most of between PTH and SMD (suspect this will be fluid as you progress), the .025" works best as a general purpose size IME so you don't have to keep multiple sizes on hand (you may find it necessary at some point in the future). Now if you know you'll be doing more SMD than PTH, then I'd suggest going ahead and getting the .020" instead.

I've never used the Elenco wick (rebranded), so I can't really comment. But I prefer to buy from companies that actually manufacture their products, hence Chemtronics or other quality brands. MG Chemicals is also an actual manufacturer. You can toss one in the order as well to try, assuming availability is decent for your location.

There are some decent solder and wick manufacturers in Taiwan, but I don't know the brands. Genuine Goot is good stuff (Japanese), but is highly counterfeited, so I wouldn't buy it anywhere other than from Japan if there's no distributor for Singapore.

[Kilo Tango]

MultiCore 60/40 

Sorry I am slightly biased having used it  for for a long while..........

As far as lead free, I am having good results with Sn100C, which is tin-copper-nickel + germanium. It flows almost as well as 60/40, but you need an extra 40-60 degrees above 60/40. It has a plastic phase between liquid and solid so is better for bridging things and reinforcing joints like flat blade DC power connectors.

Ken

[Monkeh]

MultiCore 60/40 

Sorry I am slightly biased having used it  for for a long while..........

Not 63/37? Heretic. 60/40 is an unsolderable dumpster fire. Everyone knows that.

Meanwhile, back in the real world..

[Electro Detective]

I would not touch with a 10 feet barge pole anything that involves Chinese chemicals.

Guys using it - good luck with your breathing .

End of story!   

If I ever contemplated or 'encouraged' to being THAT cheap, I would rather give away electronics/repair first,

rather than risk solder joint integrity, unpaid rework BS, tip wear/reactions, and breathing in nuke/waste dump grade fumes


Get the good stuff       cheap out on the rest if you must   

[kalel]

I have no doubt that there is great branded stuff out there (that is the benchmark), or that it can produce nice shiny joints, but I'm curious about usable/decent quality solder from China. Some of the bad stuff mentioned here and in the other linked thread is almost unusable, but some usable - while perhaps not great - stuff was mentioned as well.

[Kilo Tango]

MultiCore 60/40 

Sorry I am slightly biased having used it  for for a long while..........

Not 63/37? Heretic. 60/40 is an unsolderable dumpster fire. Everyone knows that.

Meanwhile, back in the real world..

Aw come on, what a few % of lead between friends. 

Ken

Its the plastic phase that does it 

[kalel]

I've yet to try 63/37 so I have no idea how it feels versus some (normal brand) 60/40. This is way out of topic, but is it really easier to use for beginners?

[kalel]

I've yet to try 63/37 so I have no idea how it feels versus some (normal brand) 60/40. This is way out of topic, but is it really easier to use for beginners?

63/37 is eutectic, and theoretically should yield better solder joint performance. However, due to the lack of plastic phase, it may not be as easy to use as 60/40 in hand soldering.
Of course, easy or not is relative, not absolute. I solder with SAC305 easily, and it's considered harder to use than both 63/37 and 60/40.

I heard it often recommended to beginners (and to everyone as well) due to those properties. I know that the only real way to tell is to try multiple types and see what works best. I do occasional, very, very basic DIY and small kits, and some mistakes or imperfect joints are allowed and even expected.

[Canis Dirus Leidy]

Add five kopecks: review (not my) of Chinese "blue Kaina" soldier and comparsion with "shit cheap noname solder from Aliexpress" and "tape of unknown solder". In Russian, but photos are clear without translation.

P.S. Warning! Heavy animated GIFs.

[David Hess]

I've yet to try 63/37 so I have no idea how it feels versus some (normal brand) 60/40. This is way out of topic, but is it really easier to use for beginners?

63/37 is eutectic, and theoretically should yield better solder joint performance. However, due to the lack of plastic phase, it may not be as easy to use as 60/40 in hand soldering.
Of course, easy or not is relative, not absolute. I solder with SAC305 easily, and it's considered harder to use than both 63/37 and 60/40.

I have used a lot of both and never noticed a practical difference.  Sn60Pb40 is slightly less expensive.  I prefer Sn63Pb37 but have never turned down NOS Sn60Pb40 if it was cheap.  Sn62Pb36Ag2 is stronger but costs significantly more and actually seems to be more difficult to use.

[kalel]

Add five kopecks: review (not my) of Chinese "blue Kaina" soldier and comparsion with "shit cheap noname solder from Aliexpress" and "tape of unknown solder". In Russian, but photos are clear without translation.

P.S. Warning! Heavy animated GIFs.

It seems the "KAINA" did pretty good in this test?

[Canis Dirus Leidy]

It seems the "KAINA" did pretty good in this test?

Yes (at least this particular spool). Author mentioned that there is also "orange KAINA", but, according to opinions, it is worse.

P.S. Review of another cheap Chinese solder (JINHU). TL;DR: For just $1.66, you get whole 15 gram of unknown alloy wire (it began to melt only at 273 °C, despite 63/37 claims, plus dull solder joints).

[nanofrog]

It seems the "KAINA" did pretty good in this test?

Yes (at least this particular spool). Author mentioned that there is also "orange KAINA", but, according to opinions, it is worse.

P.S. Review of another cheap Chinese solder (JINHU). TL;DR: For just $1.66, you get whole 15 gram of unknown alloy wire (it began to melt only at 273 °C, despite 63/37 claims, plus dull solder joints).

The alloys may be flipped @ 63% Pb + 37% Sn. Cheaper to make as lead is less expensive than tin, and would generate the indicated results (higher melting temp & dull joints). FWIW, this seems to have happened with 60/40 in another thread on Chinese solder brands.

[IanMacdonald]

Not Chinese, but any opinions on Billiton solder? Seem to recall using it years ago but can't remember what it was like.

[kalel]

This one seems to have decent comments on eBay (although few and not detailed):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tin-Le-Solder-Core-Flux-Soldering-Welding-Wire-Spool-Reel-0-8mm-63-37-N3/121930059734

Great deal!

Great deal, great price. Solder works well...no problems

Good quality

It is enough for the iron jobwith its quality.

Of course, I really doubt the quality just based on the price.

[Monkeh]

I'm sure they're both legit and from people who know how solder is supposed to flow.

[kalel]

I'm sure they're both legit and from people who know how solder is supposed to flow.

With some of these you get many less grams than promised, so much that the price might in some cases equal or exceed some branded wire (at say 100g).
In those cases, it's not as cheap as it seems, while still not being good quality.

[tooki]

I've yet to try 63/37 so I have no idea how it feels versus some (normal brand) 60/40. This is way out of topic, but is it really easier to use for beginners?

It’s a subtle difference between them, really. But the point is that 63/37 is eutectic, meaning it’s an alloy with a single melting point, as opposed to a non-eutectic alloy whose melting (and thus resolidifying) happens through a temperature range. (63/37 melts at 183C, 60/40 melts at 183-188 or 183-190, depending on who you ask.) This range is called the “plastic phase”, meaning malleable. So it means that when cooling off, 60/40 solder has a split second where it’s sort of mushy and can be moved a bit before it hardens. This makes it easier for beginners. But because movement during cooling causes irregularities in the crystal structure of the cooled metal, it produces a weaker “disturbed joint”, which is actually undesirable. 63/37 hardens quicker, so the time window for producing a disturbed joint are lower.

I prefer 63/37 myself. But as I said, it’s a very subtle difference, so if one or the other is easier to procure, then that’s fine, and either will produce excellent results provided your technique is halfway decent.

[Kilo Tango]

60/40 has advantages when trying to "fillet" a joint. SMD components are tiny and once the solder sets they stay put, however some components take a mechanical load and need support. The plastic phase of 60/40 lets you fillet the joint so it is a lot mechanically stronger.

Here is a picture of the power connector from a relatively modern TV, a 29" Cello. As you can see the soldered joint has failed; the lead free solder is like water, and when it sets it is very thin and offers not a lot of mechanical support. I repaired it using 60/40 and got a nice filleted joint. Its been working for the last 2 years without problem. I sometimes turn down the iron temperature to make it more plastic to fill in loose joints.

Ken

[tooki]

60/40 has advantages when trying to "fillet" a joint. SMD components are tiny and once the solder sets they stay put, however some components take a mechanical load and need support. The plastic phase of 60/40 lets you fillet the joint so it is a lot mechanically stronger.

I don’t mean to be rude, but this is literally nonsense. As in, it literally doesn’t even make sense.

What’s called the “fillet” in soldering is simply the shape of the meniscus caused by the surface tension of the molten solder. It applies equally to both leaded and lead-free solder — they produce identical fillets. If you’re getting radically different results when soldering with one vs the other, then something is radically wrong with your technique.

I don’t even know what you mean by “filleting” the joint — the fillet forms automatically from the correct application of solder — too little and you have a dinky, weak joint; too much and you have a convex glob instead of a nice concave fillet. (The component lead and PCB pad geometries of course are also defining factors in the shape and size of the fillet.)

Solder is NOT supposed to provide primary mechanical support. Of course, cheap stuff often relies on the strength of solder joints alone, but that’s bad design. (As in the picture you posted.) Especially with lead-free, which is very brittle, proper mechanical support is critical.

Here is a picture of the power connector from a relatively modern TV, a 29" Cello. As you can see the soldered joint has failed; the lead free solder is like water, and when it sets it is very thin and offers not a lot of mechanical support. I repaired it using 60/40 and got a nice filleted joint. Its been working for the last 2 years without problem.

Like water? What the heck are you talking about? As I said, the size of the joint depends on how much solder was applied.

Leaded solder is more flexible than lead-free, so it can handle flexing better without failing.

I sometimes turn down the iron temperature to make it more plastic to fill in loose joints.

Wait a sec — you mean you’re deliberately using a far-too-low temperature so you can glom on mushy-state half-melted solder to a joint?!? 
I can’t even wrap my head around how bad that is as a technique. Solder joint strength relies on the fully-molten solder actually slightly dissolving the base metal of the component leads and PCB pads, so they fuse into a strong joint.

[David Hess]

I have never been able to discern a working difference between eutectic Sn63Pb37 and non-eutectic Sn60Pb40 when filleting a seam.  Sn60Pb40 is slightly less expensive and works practically as well but I still prefer Sn63Pb37.

[GigaJoe]

got blue kaina, and red kaina -
blue melt below 200C,  red 230+ C (my solder +200C are min )
but but .... seems (again I not sure) a flux not so aggressive as 245 kester

but in overall if no alternatives blue kaina are good to go ....

[ali_asadzadeh]

anyone has experience with JF brand from china? I need BI57SN42AG1 ones, and they seem to have them, any experience with them?

[rrinker]

 Julian Ilett seems to be on a bit of a solder testing tangent lately, he's been ordering different Chinese brands and seeing how well they work (2 different ones so far).

[tooki]

With reputable-brand solder being so cheap, it escapes my why anyone would waste their time with el-cheapo Chinese solder...

[OwO]

With reputable-brand solder being so cheap, it escapes my why anyone would waste their time with el-cheapo Chinese solder...

Which ones? I checked amazon and the only non-Chinese brands I see are Kester and MG chemicals, which are over 3 times as expensive per gram compared to what you can get decent Japanese branded solder for here. Same thing on "reputable distributors". It's beyond me why none of the distributors (or even amazon) sell any of the Japanese brands, but only the overpriced brands. Really the thread title should be changed to "how to obtain Japanese branded solder outside of China"...

[tooki]

Being unfamiliar with Japanese solder, I can't comment on it.

But my point is that name-brand solder isn't expensive in absolute terms. Even at $65-120 for a pound 454g or 500g spool of SAC305 (from Digi-Key, for example), the amount of solder used in a project is so small that the absolute cost is negligible. So I just don't see a reason to risk the cost of ruining a project (or even just of wasting time) by using Chinese solder of unknown quality. There's no question that what one is paying for in a premium-quality solder is for confidence. Kester, Multicore, and MG will not let you down.

[Corner]

Late to the party.

I've been using Mechanic brand solder for a while now. It produces comparable results to Multicore 309 60/40 which was what I used before I switched to Mechanic. It's been consistently good. This is the only good Chinese solder brand I know other than Pro'sKit. Tried too many shitty Chinese solder I don't wanna go waste more of my money and time.

So if you want good quality (flows well, shiny joint etc) solder from China, Mechanic and Pro'sKit are probably the only brands you wanna look at. I'm happy to be corrected though if you guys find other good ones.

[Labrat101]

Add five kopecks: review (not my) of Chinese "blue Kaina" soldier and comparsion with "shit cheap noname solder from Aliexpress" and "tape of unknown solder". In Russian, but photos are clear without translation.

This Kaina blue solder is really good has a low melting point 200deg. it flows really well hardens to a nice shine . excellent for de soldering smd's . Low smoke , very clean. and I found it very useful when soldering terminals on batteries and hard to get to places . flows quick and easy .
Makes good contact on all surface . also nice for bridging and tinning .
 I am very happy with this solder I can say its one of the best solder about .
 
its 60/40 and uses CF10 flux . 

[jonsig]

sorry for reviving old thread.

But i´m interested if there are other good chineese solder wire brands.

I´ve used this sky-blue / kaina solder. And it´s very easy to work with. It´s low residue flux that does not stain the tip of my metcal, and it does not give off strong odor like kester 245 . thou i´m not 100% sure about the consistency of the alloy composition.

Also have only found one flux brand acceptable from aliexpress, Xeredex it´s not full of vaseline . And its not so far-off from my most commonly used fluxes Amtech NC-559-V2 and Topnik Zel in performance.

[Labrat101]

I recently bought some of that Amtech 559 . The dealer said it was original. But it is fake it's made by Jiyang solder company which do infact make good flux .Amtech flux is not made in any other country only in the USA.
But the fake works really well the one I got does.  Some Amtech fakes are horrible.
Kingbo flux is fair bit greasy but does work ok.
For solder I now only use Kaina cf10  2% flux 63/37 .
If you have endless money Multicore from the UK is very high quality.  But you will have to pay stupid shipping costs.

[jonsig]

Well i recently bought 1.5kg´s of kester in various thickness / composition. Had i known this kaina brand beforehand then i wouldn't bought anything from kester.
This kaina stuff gives of no smell, because it´s probably super toxic.  It does not stain my tips which is extreme problem for me when using high temp tips on Metcal.  and does not mess the pcb when sholdering.