solder from dx.com

[coffee]

would you consider this solder from dx.com safe?
http://dx.com/p/super-lead-free-solder- ... 97?item=12" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
TX
D

[Usge]

No. Tin is ok, IF it's not mixed with anything else like antimony. The solder has a melting point of 225f...not good. (that's slightly above boiling point of water) I believe this is probably for other uses than plumbing. Don't use it. Buy lead free solder for plumbing. Oatey makes some that's readily available. Lennox does as well. Silver, copper, tin all ok. Soft wire lead free plumbing solder should have a melting point somewhere between 400-500F.

[coffee]

Thanks,

I didn't catch that.

As I live abroad, I can buy expensive locally or cheap from dx, or take a hit for international shipping from other places.

Looks like there is a different solder available on their site, that melts at 250 - 270 C.

http://dx.com//p/150808" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Tx,
D

[Usge]

At least the temp looks right. I dunno there coffee...its still coming up as electronic use solder for me. ROHS compliant and all. (which is to restrict hazardous materials in electronic equipment). One of the pics has some info on the metal makeup of it (on the front of the spool..zoomed in). I can't hardly read it. But, I would try and find a local "plumbing" place and ask for lead-free solder. The more silver it contains, the more expensive it will be and the higher the melting point will be. There should be a document available or printed on the package/spool what the chemistry metal make up is (ie., Cu= copper, Ag= silver, Sn =Tin). Anything other than those 3 you need to question.

I dont' live in EU area so sorry can't help you more directly. Maybe some of the other guys who do can chip in and give you a lead on where you can pickup lead free plumbing solder for a decent price??

[Usge]

Just wanted to update this to say...after reading up on it a bit more RoHs is an EU compliance to reduce hazardous substances from consumer products. It includes specs for extremely low (trace) allowances of lead, antimony, etc. ie., like .1% for lead by weight. It covers a broad range of products (including electronics) and is mainly put in place to cut down on things like lead, mercury, etc...in trash from discarded products. Some people have referred to it as the UN version of "lead-free". But, I find the wording somewhat different..ie., reducing toxicity of waste, VS safe for human consumption. Here (N. America) lead-free is a term intended to specify it's safe for use in potable water systems (drinking water). I could not find that designation specifically in the RoHs compliance ...although it may be implied in some way or there may be another standard/designation for that specifically I am not aware of.

So, you EU folks will need to check with your vendors there...to make sure on that. If in doubt...just ask if the material is "lead-free" and safe for potable water/plumbing use.