Multicore 370 vs Kester 44

[echen1024]

I'm almost through my roll of lead free shit, so I'm about to get new solder. Any suggestions?

[nanofrog]

Both are top notch, so you wouldn't go wrong with either. 

There are also other brands that would be worth considering, such as AIM (American Iron & Metals) or MG Chemicals, that you might be able to get for a bit less money. Please note, that the smaller you go in diameter, the more expensive it is (i.e. .020" will cost more than .032" for the same size roll from the same family).

There are others, but I'm less/not familiar with them. One that would be easily available, would be SRA's house brand (no idea who actually makes it). As a general rule, I'd just stay away from Asian made sources if you're not willing to take a chance.

[echen1024]

How is multicomp (Newark) solder?

[ampdoctor]

I've used Kester 44 63/37 literally for decades. It's one of the few things in this world that just works. Shop around a little and you should be able to find it at reasonable prices.

[mariush]

Multicomp is rebranded solder ... some of them are Multicore, some of them are Stannol, some of them are less known brands ... check the datasheets and you will find references like "Multicomp 362 something something" which you'll find the phrase "Multicore 362 something something"  in the Multicore 362 solder wire.

For example, see here:

http://www.newark.com/multicomp/507-1239/solder-wire-60-40-0-9mm-250g/dp/15J7240

Datasheet here http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/315233.pdf says :

"Multicomp 400, 502, 505 and 511 cored wires are manufactured with a range of flux contents. Although users will normally be using
products with a nominal flux content of 3%, the superior performance of the these products may allow a lower flux content to be
specified e.g 2.2%."

If you delete Multicomp and enter the phrase in google you get :

http://www.stannol.de/en/products/solder-wires/?tx_produktselektor_filter[aa_prod]=Kristall%20511&tx_produktselektor_filter[action]=show&tx_produktselektor_filter[controller]=Product

datasheet: http://www.stannol.de/fileadmin/Service/Dokumente/Dokumente_TDB/D/TDB_LD_Kristall_Serie_EN.pdf

where you find the same phrase on first page (damn document not allowing copy paste)

[ddavidebor]

Yes that number are equal to the stannol ones.

I use at school the stannol kristal 505. It's a damn good solder but with very strong flux. The type you don't want on things that must last decades... But if you repair or use old component is one of the world best in that.

[echen1024]

I've used Kester 44 63/37 literally for decades. It's one of the few things in this world that just works. Shop around a little and you should be able to find it at reasonable prices.

Where do you typically buy it? Digi-Key is quite expensive and not a great selection. Newark is worse.

[nanofrog]

Where do you typically buy it? Digi-Key is quite expensive and not a great selection. Newark is worse.

You might want to take a look at all-spec.com.

[echen1024]

Where do you typically buy it? Digi-Key is quite expensive and not a great selection. Newark is worse.

You might want to take a look at all-spec.com.

Thanks. Pretty good prices. What I paid for my lead free shit.

[echen1024]

Also, do we prefer 60/40 or 63/37? I heard that 63/37 has a more definite melting point, but that is not really that important.

[nanofrog]

Also, do we prefer 60/40 or 63/37? I heard that 63/37 has a more definite melting point, but that is not really that important.

Pretty much.

63/37 is classified as eutectic, which means it solidifies/liquefies at one temp. 60/40 OTOH, has a range that it remains plastic (some solids in a liquid), so you can quickly shift something if you need to due to ~10F it has between fully liquid and fully solid states (also means you can disturb the joint, and have to reflow it). Slightly shinier as well in a proper joint.

For hobbyist use, it's pretty much personal preference rather than process constraints (i.e. old spec that mandates 60/40, which has been around longer).

Personally, I prefer 63/37 as I don't have to wait as long for the joint to cool to tackle the next joint. Particularly for SMT IC's.

[echen1024]

Kester 44 from All-Spec it is!

[M. András]

hmm thats a damn good price, does anyone know where to get it in europe for a decent price. or how much would be the shipping from the us to me?, farnell stocks it at 2 times the price plus the their import charge from the usa warehouse

[echen1024]

$16 for USPS first class package to Italy

[M. András]

italy? thats the flipped version of this flag btw but ffs still lot cheaper then buying it from farnell

[echen1024]

I just went ahead and purchased a cheap roll of MG Chemicals 60/40 RA Flux. Does the job just fine!

[nanofrog]

I just went ahead and purchased a cheap roll of MG Chemicals 60/40 RA Flux. Does the job just fine!

MG Chemicals makes good stuff.

[echen1024]

AFAIK, there stuff is quite good. I have used their RA flux and solder braid before and was quite impressed. The price isn't the lowest, but it is quite good.

[orjan-]

I know this thread is a little bit old, but i was looking for solder myself and i came across very good prices on kester solder. http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com is authorized dealer of kester, and sell most of the 1lb spools of kester solder for 20-30$. The smaller dimension kester 44 63/37 only cost 21-23$

[true]

SSS is like the unspoken of the Internet for some reason. Never really hear about it. Maybe because it looks scam-ish, but I have placed a few orders and they ahve always been delivered promptly...they usually also come with printed MSDS sheets for everything. (Regarding solder, I think I got Kester 285 63/37 .032 from there. Which works great by the way.)

[nanofrog]

SSS is like the unspoken of the Internet for some reason. Never really hear about it. Maybe because it looks scam-ish, but I have placed a few orders and they ahve always been delivered promptly...they usually also come with printed MSDS sheets for everything. (Regarding solder, I think I got Kester 285 63/37 .032 from there. Which works great by the way.)

They're definitely not a scam site.

Unfortunately, they do tend to be on the expensive side most of the time, which is why I suspect most skip them. Other sites with similar pricing have an advantage on stock carried IMHO, that still make them more attractive. Solder or other supplies for example, can be used as a filler item/s to exceed any Minimum Order Amount requirement, or get the purchase price high enough to qualify for free shipping, thus making another site less expensive in the end.

Another, but much smaller issue IMHO, is their website. Less information, and you're more likely to need specific manufacturer P/N's to find what you're looking for.