A while ago I was sent some bits of solder by Oskar and Ragnar in Iceland. They had been using old solder successfully, but when they tried some stuff from an eBay listing it was poor quality. They got some new stuff from a local electronics supplier and it was fine.
Here are some random tests of that solder and others.
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17 thoughts on “Solder testing and candy .”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tolkienfan1972 says:

    No flux given 😂

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Decem Unos Quattro says:

    Hmmm interesting Clive. I just ran out of Amtec flux ! I thought I better order more ! Wrong it's too expensive now. I tried to find your advice but I could not find your advice. Sigh. What flux should I use now?

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars occam raiser says:

    HaHa Goldfish crackers will raise a smile with everyone who watched The West Wing…..in the days when we had some optimism about American presidents ;(

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rich Ernst says:

    Yet another great (older) video, thanks. Did a search but couldn't find similar testing on fluxes, including cheapie ebay ones, liquid vs. paste vs. flux cored solder. So please add that to your idea list for future videos (unless I missed it with youtube's wonderful (NOT!) search feature… 🙂

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Artillerest 43rd VA says:

    hello Mr. Clive: very nice demonstration on solder issues. The copper clad board is so bad how it delaminates,
    and puckers up, due to the hot soldering iron. that will effect the circuit for sure. I use solid core w/o flux. doing stained
    glass use paste flux { corrosive } not good for electronics, but I have rosin paste for electrical work. I have 50/50, 60/40
    and ultimate 64/36 tin to lead ratio . all still available here. I am sad since Radio Shack closed up, that was my source
    for electronic supplies. in the USA I am not sure of any sources. a quick question, I have a radio receiver with a bad
    amplifier and I want to replace it, but have no idea where to start. could you do something like that on your channel?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Hodgson says:

    Mmmm love liquorice

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Hodgson says:

    Probably "no clean flux" not no flux

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars doublepinger says:

    Bought a pound (450g) lead-free solder years ago… super cheap because it was "expired" ~5 years after manufacturing date. Alpha Energized Plus, 96.5% tin, 3% silver, .5% copper. Definitely would recommend, very clean.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jagmarc says:

    If you're looking for 60/40 lead solder beware of fakes. I did a thorough survey around every cheap chinese shop in my area. Every single example I found of "60/40" , "lead solder", "tin-lead solder" labelled (alternative solder displayed alongside the regular solder), not a single one of them contained lead. Many of them had a "RoHS lead- free" in the small print. It's as if the distributor/importer has no idea what they're are selling and just print on the label what people are looking for.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roger Ferris says:

    I know I'm late to the party but, when you were soldering and the raised section appeared, I immediately thought "that board has blistered". You then went on to say that it was a pool of flux, I thought okay you're there doing the job, you know your stuff and you have a better view than any of us, so accepted what you had said. Imagine my surprise at the end, when you stated that what i thought was indeed correct. This is the first time and more than likely the only time I got one up on BigClive.
    Love your vids, keep 'em coming and we'll keep watching and learning.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pheonix says:

    i run my iron at 360 degree's, thats what seems to work best for me

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JordanPlayz158 says:

    I would be interested to know as well about how much soldering tools like the irons quality effects the soldering ability

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ipsum the Purple Wuss - Loud Nation says:

    Is 40/60 solder harmful to health?

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RichardRoy2 says:

    Sometimes wording can be a bit tricky. Particularly with advertising names. "No-Flux" could mean that you don't need to apply flux separately as it's already in the solder. Just a thought. Thanks for your work. Love it.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shaun Ewing says:

    im from canada. you gonna love all them

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Numbers,Twin Media says:

    well Clive. you have made it. I just watched several minutes of you going through snacks on an electronics channel knowing I would like the content to follow it. lol I watch all your videos and I am always entertained. thank you for the content.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kiaas says:

    old video, but I'd have to guess silver alloys need an iron diffusion barrier on the tip, not just copper core and nickel plate

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