Getting quality solder in Europe (Norway)

[Star1]

So, as I am tired with chinese solder, I'm looking to buy some brand-name solder. This is seemingly not as easy as I had imagined, as many retailers have insane shipping prices for small orders. Also, I am in Norway, so if the total value of item+shipping exceeds 41USD/36euro, I get hit with import tax, and a fee on top of that.

Any suggestions?

[TJ232]

Depending on the application, we are using different types of solder wire and bars from Stannol, especially KRISTALL SN100C ones:
https://www.stannol.de/products/solder-wires/?L=1

https://www.stannol.de/en/products/solder-wires/?tx_produktselektor_filter%5Baa_prod%5D=Kristall%20400&tx_produktselektor_filter%5Baction%5D=show&tx_produktselektor_filter%5Bcontroller%5D=Product&cHash=8aeecfcb680141e103c53685c28af0d1

[Thomas]

https://www.elfadistrelec.no/no/verktoy-og-lodding/solder/loddetin/c/cat-DNAV_PL_160404?q=*&filter_Buyable=1&filter_Category3=Loddetin&pageSize=100

[JackJones]

If you want leaded I think most stores don't sell it anymore since it contains lead, no longer allowed to be sold to consumers in EU. I'm not sure if importing it is legal either.

You can still get leaded from some places like ebay. I use Cynel brand, it's a polish brand and works very well.

[not1xor1]

If you want leaded I think most stores don't sell it anymore since it contains lead, no longer allowed to be sold to consumers in EU. I'm not sure if importing it is legal either.

You can still get leaded from some places like ebay. I use Cynel brand, it's a polish brand and works very well.

AFAIK SnPb is still allowed for personal/hobby usage
e.g. tme has a vast choice of SnPb alloy based solder
of course you cannot mass produce and sell any device built with that

[anotherlin]

Try farnell.com. Shipping is free for orders over 30 euros, at least for France.
They have a very large selection.

[Star1]

Thanks for the replies, but as far as I can see, Stannol does not have any online retailers? Not any with an actual webshop at least.

I did not mention them specifically, but Elfa definitely is in the "insane shipping for small orders" category. 90NOK (10.6USD) for a 250g spool of solder? Not happening.

As far as farnell, please read my original post. Free shipping for orders over X amount does not help me.

Perhaps I should clarify that my immediate goal is to buy a small spool (250g or thereabouts) of quality solder. If I had in mind to buy in bulk I would have plenty of options, but for a single spool options seem to be limited.

[JackJones]

If you want leaded I think most stores don't sell it anymore since it contains lead, no longer allowed to be sold to consumers in EU. I'm not sure if importing it is legal either.

You can still get leaded from some places like ebay. I use Cynel brand, it's a polish brand and works very well.

AFAIK SnPb is still allowed for personal/hobby usage
e.g. tme has a vast choice of SnPb alloy based solder
of course you cannot mass produce and sell any device built with that

You're mixing RoHS with the ban of leaded solder. Since march 1st last year it has been forbidden to sell leaded solder to consumers.

Tme stopped selling leaded solder a couple of months ago. You can still find it for sale in places, like ebay.

https://ila-reach.org/2018/01/new-restrictions-and-labelling-requirements-affect-lead-from-march-1-2018/

from 1 March 2018.

From that date, supply to consumers is prohibited for lead metal as a substance, and in mixtures – including solders and other alloys – when the individual concentration is equal to or greater than 0.03% for mixtures containing lead metal powder, and 0.3% for mixtures containing lead metal in massive form.

[agehall]

Digikey is still selling leaded solder at least.

[Star1]

Digikey is still selling leaded solder at least.

Indeed, but they also have a minimum shipping fee of 22USD

[agehall]

I usually just browse around until I reach the €50 (or is it €60) items worth needed to get free shipping. Total order usually ends up just north of 1200 SEK including tolls/taxes.

[Star1]

That is fine and dandy, but a bit besides the point. I'm not looking to spend a lot of money, I just need a bit of solder.

[agehall]

If you are looking for crappy solder (i.e. not spending decent money on it), keep ordering from China. If you want something good, order from one of the reputable suppliers mentioned in the thread. You will either have to pay a premium at a local store, pay for shipping or order enough to reach the value needed for free shipping.

Are you 200% sure you only need solder? Do you know anyone else who might also need something from Digikey/Farnell/Elfa so that you can share one order to reach the free shipping limit. My guess is that you also need flux and possibly some other things as well...

[Ysjoelfir]

I have the same problem, only in the opposite direction - I love some products from norway (for example sjokade, brunost, lano liquid soap) which are unobtainium in germany. I know some people in norway but the shipping is insane! Last time I got a 3 kilo packet - value: 30€, shipping: 45€. 

However, I just looked at shipping prices from germany to norway. I could send you a spool of 250g solder for the price of the solder + 3.70€ shipping (but without tracking, that would cost at least 15€). Just tell me if you are interested.

[Thomas]

Thanks for the replies, but as far as I can see, Stannol does not have any online retailers? Not any with an actual webshop at least.

I did not mention them specifically, but Elfa definitely is in the "insane shipping for small orders" category. 90NOK (10.6USD) for a 250g spool of solder? Not happening.

As far as farnell, please read my original post. Free shipping for orders over X amount does not help me.

Perhaps I should clarify that my immediate goal is to buy a small spool (250g or thereabouts) of quality solder. If I had in mind to buy in bulk I would have plenty of options, but for a single spool options seem to be limited.

Elfa has Economy Shipping for 60NOK (7.06USD).
If you want cheaper than that, I think you have to go to Ebay. And then wait for a month

[Star1]

If you are looking for crappy solder (i.e. not spending decent money on it), keep ordering from China. If you want something good, order from one of the reputable suppliers mentioned in the thread. You will either have to pay a premium at a local store, pay for shipping or order enough to reach the value needed for free shipping.

Are you 200% sure you only need solder? Do you know anyone else who might also need something from Digikey/Farnell/Elfa so that you can share one order to reach the free shipping limit. My guess is that you also need flux and possibly some other things as well...

I'd be happy to pay a premium (to a certain degree) buying locally, but no such local supplier exists, not sure there is a single physical store in Norway selling quality leaded solder. As of right now, yes, I only need solder. I suppose I come off as cheap (which I am), but the price difference between cheap china solder and brand solder is extreme, compared to a lot of other products.

[Star1]

I have the same problem, only in the opposite direction - I love some products from norway (for example sjokade, brunost, lano liquid soap) which are unobtainium in germany. I know some people in norway but the shipping is insane! Last time I got a 3 kilo packet - value: 30€, shipping: 45€. 

However, I just looked at shipping prices from germany to norway. I could send you a spool of 250g solder for the price of the solder + 3.70€ shipping (but without tracking, that would cost at least 15€). Just tell me if you are interested.

Indeed, shipping abroad is quite expensive! I'll let you know if I need something, thanks!

[Star1]

Thanks for the replies, but as far as I can see, Stannol does not have any online retailers? Not any with an actual webshop at least.

I did not mention them specifically, but Elfa definitely is in the "insane shipping for small orders" category. 90NOK (10.6USD) for a 250g spool of solder? Not happening.

As far as farnell, please read my original post. Free shipping for orders over X amount does not help me.

Perhaps I should clarify that my immediate goal is to buy a small spool (250g or thereabouts) of quality solder. If I had in mind to buy in bulk I would have plenty of options, but for a single spool options seem to be limited.

Elfa has Economy Shipping for 60NOK (7.06USD).
If you want cheaper than that, I think you have to go to Ebay. And then wait for a month

Will have to double check that. I think 60 is a lot to, but it's not as bad. I wouldn't mind waiting for ebay stuff (I use ebay a lot), but with solder you don't know what you will get. I recently bought a couple of spools from China, and the quality is horrible.

[Bud]

Solder is a product that stays good for very long time. Buy a pound or two and be done for the rest of your life.

[sn4k3]

Interflux is algo a good brand for solder wire and fluxes: http://www.interflux.com/en/solder-wires
The IF14 series are good for rework, but choose based on your needs.
IF14 have some spattering when feed directly to iron tip at high temperatures

[grizewald]

Don't bother trying to buy leaded solder from Elfa unless you are a business.

I tried earlier this evening to put some in my basket only to have the site tell me it is only available to business customers.

Like I'm going to use lead free solder to repair things like 30 year old bench multimeters. 

These rules are made by idiots!

[Star1]

Don't bother trying to buy leaded solder from Elfa unless you are a business.

I tried earlier this evening to put some in my basket only to have the site tell me it is only available to business customers.

Like I'm going to use lead free solder to repair things like 30 year old bench multimeters. 

These rules are made by idiots!

Yeah, just had another look at Elfa, and it seems they only sell small spools to businesses, which is baffling. I could understand it if they didn't sell anything to individuals at all, but they do.

[TJ232]

Thanks for the replies, but as far as I can see, Stannol does not have any online retailers? Not any with an actual webshop at least.

I did not mention them specifically, but Elfa definitely is in the "insane shipping for small orders" category. 90NOK (10.6USD) for a 250g spool of solder? Not happening.

As far as farnell, please read my original post. Free shipping for orders over X amount does not help me.

Perhaps I should clarify that my immediate goal is to buy a small spool (250g or thereabouts) of quality solder. If I had in mind to buy in bulk I would have plenty of options, but for a single spool options seem to be limited.

You can find Stannol solder all over the place in Europe. Look for example for KRISTALL 400 class types:

https://www.distrelec.nl/search?q=kristall&filter_categoryCodePathROOT%2Fcat-L2D_379532=cat-L2-3D_1684688&filter_categoryCodePathROOT=cat-L2D_379532&filter_categoryCodePathROOT/cat-L2D_379532=cat-L2-3D_1684688
https://www.elfadistrelec.dk/en/solder-wire-kristall-400-186-7mm-stannol-kristall-400-810658/p/18249006
https://www.matedex.be/en/products/art-12336/fil-a-souder-sn60pb40-kristall-400-1-0mm-100g.html

With the new EU rules and regulations in place I don't think you will be able to buy Pb versions if you are not ordering on a properly registered Company, but you can give it a try.

As for lead-free, we found that KRISTALL SN100C version has better formula, wetting, etc,etc and because we use the same formula also for the wave soldering it's a perfect match.

For having good hand soldering results with lead-free you need also to have a good quality solder iron with a decent thermal mass and temperature regulation.

[not1xor1]

Tme stopped selling leaded solder a couple of months ago. You can still find it for sale in places, like ebay.

I checked yesterday and I could not see any cannot be sold in your country notice...

may be it depends on the single EU countries?
usually these inept lazy and idiot Italian politicians (the new ones are even worse than the previous) implement EU directives with years of delay 

for a few days tme (at least tme.it) is offering free shipping so I'll see if I can order a few rolls

[JackJones]

Huh, you're right. It was just a couple of months ago they suddenly just disappeared. I was just about to buy some too.. It does seem to give me a message that it's not available to Finland though.

Same thing happened to Reichelt at the same time, all leaded solder just disappeared from their website. Now they're back. 

But still, it won't be available forever. I found this article from Bloomberg where they went asking retailers why they still sell leaded solder. After that they stopped doing it.

https://news.bloombergenvironment.com/environment-and-energy/uk-retailers-may-be-selling-lead-solder-in-breach-of-eu-ban-1

Also one of the Cynel rolls I got from ebay recently got one of those "listing has been removed by ebay" things after I received it. Let's hope there won't be a crackdown on this stuff any time soon.

[Ysjoelfir]

Reading that I'm quite happy that I have quite a stockpile of leaded solder flying around in the lab... Even though I tend to use leadfree most of the time (Stannol Kristall... IIRC 400, but I would have to check to be sure), at least for my all-day work, not for repairing older stuff - that's where the good old leaded solder comes to work 

[not1xor1]

BTW what is the difference between SnPb and SnPb+2%Cu ?
On TME catalog the Cu alloys are specified for a lower fusion temperature (183°C against 190°C of 60/40 SnPb).
What about reliability?

[helius]

The liquidus of Sn63Pb37 is also 183°C.
The addition of copper was required to extend the life of unplated copper tips, when those were common 50 years ago. It also improves the strength of the joint, which is not needed in most electronics.

[Thomas]

Don't bother trying to buy leaded solder from Elfa unless you are a business.

I tried earlier this evening to put some in my basket only to have the site tell me it is only available to business customers.

Like I'm going to use lead free solder to repair things like 30 year old bench multimeters. 

These rules are made by idiots!

Some of them can be added to the basket, I don't know why

[grizewald]

Some of them can be added to the basket, I don't know why

Truly bizarre! Out of all the alloys which include lead, I was able to add 10 out of 84 to my basket. 

I ordered some nice Polish 60/40 solder from eBay instead. 

[Star1]

Some of them can be added to the basket, I don't know why

Truly bizarre! Out of all the alloys which include lead, I was able to add 10 out of 84 to my basket. 

I ordered some nice Polish 60/40 solder from eBay instead. 

I could add only 2 with a diameter of 0.5mm or less, and the least expensive one was something like 100USD, so that is a no go.

I think I might have to go for that same Polish 60/40. I'd really like to try 63/37, but as it looks now even a small spool would cost more than both my soldering irons

[OwO]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/ESPLB-Solder-Wire-Tin-0-5-0-6-0-8-1-0-1-2-1-5/32890767672.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.2.30926147XxJAnP&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_9_10065_10068_319_10059_10884_317_10548_10887_10696_321_322_10084_453_10083_454_10103_10618_10307_537_536,searchweb201603_6,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=6a07679f-4f78-4dd2-896f-c8da0160c96c-0&algo_pvid=6a07679f-4f78-4dd2-896f-c8da0160c96c
This one has reviews with tested melting point and pics of solder joints.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-Tin-Lead-Tin-Wire-Melt-Rosin-Core-Solder-Soldering-Wire-Roll-M25/32793699855.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.10.b8971c32CtnHJj&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_9_10065_10068_319_10059_10884_317_10548_10887_10696_321_322_10084_453_10083_454_10103_10618_10307_537_536,searchweb201603_6,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=efaae68a-41b9-4e92-9849-ef3a1d437bf9-1&algo_pvid=efaae68a-41b9-4e92-9849-ef3a1d437bf9
Also has a few reviews with melting point.

The general tip is stick with sellers with rating >98% on aliexpress, read through a few reviews, and read the negative reviews. Also from my experience aliexpress > ebay, I have gotten a higher percentage of package not delivered or defective goods on ebay.

[Brutte]

Keep in mind there are different solders with different compositions.

I am afraid even when you buy the best Sn96Ag4, it will be nowhere near the worst Sn60Pb40 (when compared the mechanical properties, melting point etc). Add to that the decision about flux - there are dozens of different flux types, more and less agressive, no clean etc and of course there is a solid core solder without flux.

The Pb free solder for rework that I can recommend is Sn96Ag4 which is quite pleasant in use but since it is 4% silver, it is not cheap and it melts at 220degC.
Then - there is no significant difference in between soldering with Sn99.7Cu0.3 and soldering with a paperclip IMHO  . Any Pb-free rework with this 0% Ag thing requires top notch soldering iron plus a lot of flux and patience.

1kg of Sn60Pb40 is around $25 and 1kg of Sn96Ag4 is $100 (1mm).

[Star1]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/ESPLB-Solder-Wire-Tin-0-5-0-6-0-8-1-0-1-2-1-5/32890767672.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.2.30926147XxJAnP&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_9_10065_10068_319_10059_10884_317_10548_10887_10696_321_322_10084_453_10083_454_10103_10618_10307_537_536,searchweb201603_6,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=6a07679f-4f78-4dd2-896f-c8da0160c96c-0&algo_pvid=6a07679f-4f78-4dd2-896f-c8da0160c96c
This one has reviews with tested melting point and pics of solder joints.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-Tin-Lead-Tin-Wire-Melt-Rosin-Core-Solder-Soldering-Wire-Roll-M25/32793699855.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.10.b8971c32CtnHJj&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_9_10065_10068_319_10059_10884_317_10548_10887_10696_321_322_10084_453_10083_454_10103_10618_10307_537_536,searchweb201603_6,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=efaae68a-41b9-4e92-9849-ef3a1d437bf9-1&algo_pvid=efaae68a-41b9-4e92-9849-ef3a1d437bf9
Also has a few reviews with melting point.

The general tip is stick with sellers with rating >98% on aliexpress, read through a few reviews, and read the negative reviews. Also from my experience aliexpress > ebay, I have gotten a higher percentage of package not delivered or defective goods on ebay.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'd prefer slightly thinner wire, but at least this suggests ali and the like CAN be an alternative.

[stj]

soldering with Sn99.7Cu0.3 and soldering with a paperclip IMHO  . Any Pb-free rework with this 0% Ag thing requires top notch soldering iron plus a lot of flux and patience.

get a decent iron and learn how to solder.

i use that formulation for years - no problems at all.
it helps if it has the right flux INSIDE it, preferably KRISTALL505/511 or HS10

[sn4k3]

If you go AliExpress route I advice go for Wit solder from Japan. It's very good, no very bad smalls, no splattering and is really 183°c melting point, this is of course pb solder but they also have lead free

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/yiGyVf6

I use that and is great, even better than some expensive brands I used before (for rework)

[salavat]

One of the best solders I've tried  is Felder solder (Felder is German company). Can you order from Germany?

[Star1]

One of the best solders I've tried  is Felder solder (Felder is German company). Can you order from Germany?

That depends on the Germans

All I need is a webshop that is willing to ship to Norway to order from anywhere.

[tooki]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/ESPLB-Solder-Wire-Tin-0-5-0-6-0-8-1-0-1-2-1-5/32890767672.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.2.30926147XxJAnP&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_9_10065_10068_319_10059_10884_317_10548_10887_10696_321_322_10084_453_10083_454_10103_10618_10307_537_536,searchweb201603_6,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=6a07679f-4f78-4dd2-896f-c8da0160c96c-0&algo_pvid=6a07679f-4f78-4dd2-896f-c8da0160c96c
This one has reviews with tested melting point and pics of solder joints.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-Tin-Lead-Tin-Wire-Melt-Rosin-Core-Solder-Soldering-Wire-Roll-M25/32793699855.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.10.b8971c32CtnHJj&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_9_10065_10068_319_10059_10884_317_10548_10887_10696_321_322_10084_453_10083_454_10103_10618_10307_537_536,searchweb201603_6,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=efaae68a-41b9-4e92-9849-ef3a1d437bf9-1&algo_pvid=efaae68a-41b9-4e92-9849-ef3a1d437bf9
Also has a few reviews with melting point.

The general tip is stick with sellers with rating >98% on aliexpress, read through a few reviews, and read the negative reviews. Also from my experience aliexpress > ebay, I have gotten a higher percentage of package not delivered or defective goods on ebay.

Surely the solders on Aliexpress are essentially guaranteed to be counterfeit?? (That’s certainly the case with every other type of soldering supplies and equipment, like solder wick, flux, soldering stations...)

[Brutte]

You can buy the Sn60Pb40 from tme
It is $16 + tax for 500g 0.7mm spool, >250 in stock.

Or you can get some from our local eBay but keep in mind not all those sellers ship abroad. The price is much lower but considering you just want tiny amount - use it as a price reference point.

[tooki]

You can buy the Sn60Pb40 from tme
It is $16 + tax for 500g 0.7mm spool, >250 in stock.

Nope, can’t be shipped to Norway. See what happens when you change the country...

In Europe, leaded solder is no longer legal for sale to individuals.

[helius]

Norway isn't even part of the EU (although it has an arrangement that requires it to implement many of the same rules).

[Brutte]

Nope, can’t be shipped to Norway. See what happens when you change the country...

Ok, no Pb solder shipped to Norway. Interestingly when I select Poland or Germany, there are many of those Sn60Pb40 available...

[stj]

it may say that, but german customs are bastards - they would probably steal it for not having a "CE" sticker on it.
they have built quite a reputation for stealing stuff for simply not having a sticker, mark or declaration on them.

[SilverSolder]

Shipping is expensive unless you have high volume contracts in place with the carriers.

E.g. sending a package to Norway from the US will never cost less than $14.25 with the postal service, no matter how little you put in it (max 225g).
 

[tooki]

Norway isn't even part of the EU (although it has an arrangement that requires it to implement many of the same rules).

Yep. Just like Switzerland. It’s not EU, but de facto most EU trade laws seem to apply anyway...

[OwO]

Shipping is expensive unless you have high volume contracts in place with the carriers.

E.g. sending a package to Norway from the US will never cost less than $14.25 with the postal service, no matter how little you put in it (max 225g).

ePacket from China to Norway starts at $3.5 for a 50g package and includes tracking.

[tooki]

Shipping is expensive unless you have high volume contracts in place with the carriers.

E.g. sending a package to Norway from the US will never cost less than $14.25 with the postal service, no matter how little you put in it (max 225g).

ePacket from China to Norway starts at $3.5 for a 50g package and includes tracking.

That’s fine, but of no use, since the entire point of this thread is this:

So, as I am tired with chinese solder, I'm looking to buy some brand-name solder. ...

[SilverSolder]

ePacket from China to Norway starts at $3.5 for a 50g package and includes tracking.

When you pay for sending a package from America or Europe,  you are also paying tons of other costs that have nothing to do with the actual transportation of a package - including pensions for former postal workers, etc. etc.   This is how we like to do things -  load the prices of daily goods with all kinds of costs,  and we all get surprised when we see a Chinese product that isn't loaded with those costs!

In the long run, China will probably end up the same way.  "The price is what people are willing to pay"

[Star1]

I ended my trying my luck on ebay, and I now have 100g of Stannol, and 100g of Cynel incoming, both 0.5mm and 64/40. Hopefully it is the real deal

[grizewald]

I ended my trying my luck on ebay, and I now have 100g of Stannol, and 100g of Cynel incoming, both 0.5mm and 64/40. Hopefully it is the real deal

If they do turn out to be OK, don't forget to stock up before it is all gone!