Is ChipQuik regular solder ok? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Peabody
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2021, 03:23:04 pm
content: My Radio Shack #6400005 60/40 solder is finally running out, and I can order more from them. But Digikey sells ChipQuik 63/37 that I could include on my next order without extra shipping costs. It's RA solder, but not water-soluble, so appears to be the same flux as the RS suff. My understanding is water-soluble isn't necessarily something you would want. I've never had any problem with the RS solder, and usually don't bother to remove it after soldering. All I do is hobby stuff, no production.I know ChipQuik makes very low temp solder used to remove SMD parts from boards, but don't recall anyone mentioning the name for regular solder. Does anyone have experience with this brand for regular solder?Here's what I'm looking to get:https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/chip-quik-inc/RASW-031-2OZ/9681986

author: alsetalokin4017
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 01:30:21 am
content: I'm about halfway through a 4 oz. spool of the 0.020" ChipQuick 63/37 "No-Clean Rosin" solder. I like it, it likes me, it's solder.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 01:37:18 am
content: RA is not what you generally want either. It's an active flux which is preferably washed. Even when if it's advertised as no-clean (this one isn't), it's borderline acceptable to leave it.From its datasheethttps://www.chipquik.com/datasheets/RASW.015%20100g.pdf:Quote

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 02:03:36 am
content: For hobby work, assuming you are not doing fine Surface mount work, just about any 63/37 solder will work. I currently use Kester and unfortunately don't know what the rosin in it is (far from my shop). I always clean afterward so that habit probably helps me avoid issues with the flux.As for ChipQuik can't say that I've used that solder. On the other hand I have used radio shack and some no brand solders and for what I use them for have never seen a difference. I'd worry more about additional flux if I got into difficult soldering situations. That and having the right heat source can have a big impact on soldering.Quote from: Peabody on February 06, 2021, 03:23:04 pm

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 02:52:46 am
content: https://www.digikey.com/en/ptm/k/kester-solder/applications-for-flux-cored-solder-wire/tutorialRS solder, at least the stuff I've had, is fine. I use Kester 44 eutectic (63/37) for general thru-hole repair work and assembly. I usually clean but I don't worry too much if I can't or don't.Chipquick is a good brand as well, just make sure you are getting an appropriate flux. If you only assemble new (not NOS) components, an RMA flux like Kester 268 or 285 might be more suitable.

author: Peabody
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 04:23:57 am
content: Quote from: wraper on February 07, 2021, 01:37:18 amWell, I'm confused. The RS solder I've used for years is RA, and Kester says their 44 is RA. So I don't know.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 04:53:37 am
content: Most of the time you *don't* need the extra activity of RA core solder, however as a solid flux in the solder wire there is absolutely no risk of it not being heated past its activation temperature, so unlike liquid or gel RA fluxes, and assuming you aren't dumb enough to wash away the rosin but not the acid or ionic residue by using a dry non-polar or long-chain solvent, there is minimal risk of free acid being left on your PCB that isn't encapsulated in solid rosin.I would prefer a RMA core solder wire, as you can always add RA flux topically if you are working with heavily oxidized parts or pads, or preferably clean them with a mild abrasive.However if I came across a 1/2 lb reel of any electronics grade leading brand RA core solder free or really cheap, I wouldn't say NO . . .

author: Peabody
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 05:36:23 am
content: Kester 44 and Radio Shack #6400005 are both classified as ROM1, which is moderate activity, with halide content. The ChipQuik solder is ROM0, which has very low halides. So it terms of activity, they appear to all be the same.The problem I have is finding RMA solder from a known good brand at the size and price that makes sense for me. I have no need for a pound of solder, and that's the smallest RMA size that Digikey sells.Kester 44 is four times as expensive as either ChipQuik or RS in small sizes.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 06:01:00 am
content: I think if you dig throughMIL-F-14256Fyou'll find that a modern ROM0 flux is equivalent to RMA flux. The ChipQuik solder may well be your best choice, though it may well be worth investing in a larger reel of a good brand of SnPb eutectic solder while you can still get it as a private individual before your rabid greens bring in restrictions on its sale as their European coreligionists have already done.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 11:38:17 am
content: Quote from: Peabody on February 07, 2021, 04:23:57 amLogical fallacy. I've done it for years, so it must be right. ChipQuick has the same solder with less active flux. Also tin-lead solder wets much better compared to lead-free, so it needs less active flux for comparable results.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2021, 10:37:42 pm
content: Quote from: Peabody on February 07, 2021, 05:36:23 amStill, why not just buy a whole pound and be set for forever?FWIW, I've been using Kester 44 for a long time as my everyday solder, but I've heard Kester 245 is really good — it's no-clean, but according to their datasheets, hasbetterwetting action than 44. (See the "spread test" tables on the245and285datasheets: they state 280mm2for 44, 335mm2for 285 (an RMA flux) and 348mm2for 245.) I plan on getting a reel of 245 when my 44 runs out.

author: Peabody
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2021, 10:53:18 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on February 10, 2021, 10:37:42 pmWell, I bought my current 2.5 oz roll at a Radio Shack store. So it has lasted me a while. It's highly likely another 2 oz roll will last longer than I will. So there's just no point paying for a pound or the shipping cost for a pound. And it is leaded solder after all, so I really don't want more than I am likely to use.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2021, 10:58:58 pm
content: Build more projects?