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Old 01-01-2011 | 11:36 AM
  #30  
Rodney
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Default RE: I need a soldering lesson

StayBrite is good solder but is not the best for electrical work. It generally uses an acid flux (a big NO-NO for electonics) and requires slightly more heat that a good electical solder. You are best off when doing electrical work to use the old standby 60/40 lead tin and electrical flux. Yes, some solders have the flux encased inside the solder but it is usually of minimum quantity and sometimes not enough. If you buy external flux, DO NOT GET AN ACID FLUX. If you are doing plumbing or that type work, okay to use acid flux as long as you thoroughly clean the joint afterwards to remove all flux. If you do not, you will have seriously corroded joints in a short time. It is often that an acid core flux is used for soldering piano wire where strength is important but again, be sure to remove it with a proper wash or cleaning to prevent corrosion soon after. Typical 60/40 tin/lead solder is more than adequately strong for all electrical work including splicing wire with only a butt or lap joint.