rosin core solder expiration date: does it matter that much? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 01:52:05 am
content: I've heard opinions (and read some articles by solder companies) and some say that solder with rosin as a core does have an expiration date and it does matter.otoh, I've bought and used stuff that is 30 or more years old with zero problems. good flow, shiny surface, no electrical issues I could see.so what's the real truth? do we have to worry about 'expired solder' on old ebay sales or can we continue to use the older stuff if we so choose?

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 02:07:06 am
content: I thought rosin has a very long life, not to mention its wrapped hermetically in the middle of metal jacket.Not a chemist, but this thing from Jurrasic Park movie sparks few ideas.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 07:16:27 am
content: If rosin does expire, my experience shows it really doesn't matter - at least to me.I am using a roll of 5-core rosin solder that I have purchased in 1977 or 1976. I recalled I was not pleased at the time that the date-code on the box was at least 5 years prior. So I was thinking I got some old junk.It worked well then, and it works very well still. The first few months of "returning to electronics" recently, I did not even find my small canister of flux and I relied solely on the flux in the core.I have not used other newer solder so it is difficult for me to compare - except a couple of new Radio Shack rolls of 60/40 single-core rosin 1mm roll and a 2.6mm roll making a few dozen solder joints with them. I think my own "aged-solder' works better than either of those but that could be merely psychological instead of real.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 02:18:20 pm
content: It's my understanding that the dates were to do with what the manufacturer was able to prove regarding specifications & compliance for applications that require validation/verification. Still works after the date, but would have to be tested to prove beyond the date whether or not it conforms to the specs, as things such as storage conditions will affect it's performance.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 02:36:29 pm
content: I'd be curious to know if anyone tried 'old solder' and found it to be insufficient or faulty in any way.the last box of kester I bought had a 'made in usa' label on it, and that means it must be at least 20 or 30 yrs old. works great and I can't see any problems with it.I'm not saying older is better, but I can't see throwing out old solder just because its old; or avoiding the older spools on ebay, since they are often a lot cheaper than brand new stock.

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 04:19:07 pm
content: Quote from: linux-works on February 24, 2014, 02:36:29 pmhmm... maybe there is a market for "aged" solder, sold at a premium on ebay. They are just marketing it wrong.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 04:22:01 pm
content: don't laugh; I've seen phools list 'audio grade solder' in their builds.I wish I was kidding, too.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 04:47:49 pm
content: Quote from: don.r on February 24, 2014, 04:19:07 pmThere definitely is such a market:http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=western+electric+solder&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=ncAnd OP, I've never had a problem either, but there may be a difference if the solder is stored in poor conditions such as high temperature and humidity... e.g. 20 years at 120F could be bad.

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 04:56:07 pm
content: Quote from: edavid on February 24, 2014, 04:47:49 pmoh my...Seems P.T. Barnum underestimated...

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2014, 04:59:38 pm
content: humid solder?hmm, that must be what my plumber means by 'sweat soldering a joint'.(much easier done, and with much less risk in washington or colorado, though. lol)