yeah i hate lead free solder. Glad i stocked up on the good stuff before this BS really went crazy. I know i will get jumped on for bashing lead free solder but it has caused us more headaches and really didn’t put a dent in doing anything.

oh yeah and if you are curious about one of the biggest flops due to lead free solder, XBOX360, BGA’s are a PITA to flow with lead free solder and cause all sorts of problems.

Posted at 12:59 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by h_2_o

Really, I am all for helping the environment as much as possible, but after reading that there is no way in hell I would even consider using lead-free solder. I don’t think there is even a positive in the entire article other than “you won’t get lead poisoning”, which seems a pretty nebulous advantage as I have never heard of anyone getting lead poisoning without ingesting relatively massive amounts of lead (indeed, I don’t think I have ever even heard of an adult getting lead poisoning as the amounts needed to effect an adult are obviously even higher).

In fact, the article almost reads as “Reasons not to use lead-free solder” since it is essentially just a list of things that will make your life harder without giving you any serious benefit.

You would need a much more compelling article for me to basically throw away all of my materials and components and buy them all over again in lead-free compatible versions.

Posted at 1:21 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by Tom

Lead was originally added to electronic solder to prevent tin whisker growth. Tin whiskers have been responsible for failures of countless electronics in recent years, including several satellites. I have no problem switching to an alternative that is marginally safer for the kids, but at least let’s do some research before switching an entire industry. Imagine the environmental impact of disposing millions of electronic devices that wouldn’t have failed if they had better solder. In the U.S. at least, you’re not required to use lead-free solder…leaded solder is going to be around for a long time, so there’s really no need to stock up.

By the way, people around the world are literally cramming lead into themselves. Many widely-used folk remedies are almost entirely lead. Some compounds of lead taste or smell sweet, so they are used on small children. This is the problem we really need to attack first. Check out the list here: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/lead/docs/homeremedies.pdf

Lead poisoning at an early age can cause decreased intelligence and high aggressive tendencies. Makes you wonder about some of the world’s currently unsolvable problems.

Posted at 1:27 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by garrett

I use Radio Shack’s .022 Silver Bearing Solder with a cheap 15 Watt Grounded iron (RS doesn’t carry them anymore I don’t think) for nearly every thing and this combination works exceptionally well. Overall I find it flows much much better than the typical Tin/Lead based Rosin core, and it seems to make a stronger connection too.

Just a heads up though, Silver Solder isn’t lead free, the RS stuff I use is actually 36% lead according to the label. I merely offer this as a higher quality alternative to typical solder, not necessarily a greener alternative.

They do make Lead-Free Silver solder too, though I’ve never tried it. It can’t be all that bad though since Plumbers used it on copper pipes where lead would result in water poisoning.

Posted at 2:02 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by twistedsymphony

You have to remember that theres no safe threshold for lead, its not like most poisons, like cyanide or arsenic, that don’t do any irepairable damage at less than a certain concentration. more lead in your body simple means more brain damage, simple as that. I can only speak for my self, but I find that pretty creepy. If your diligent about washing your hands after handling lead, you probably won’t take in much of it, but how many of us wash out hands after every time we handle a bare circuit board, or performing a quick bridge or something with a soldering iron?

I’ll admit that lead in electronics isn’t currently that big a deal (compare the amount of lead in a pre ROHS toaster or something to the 2+ lbs in an average crt monitor), but in general, I’d like to see lead removed from all but controlled applications (like x-ray shields, satellites and those sorts of things). To me, it takes a hell of an inconvenience to justify using a material that is known to cause brain damage.

I’ve been using lead free solder for a couple of years now. Its definitely not as easy as leaded solder, but in the grand scheme of things, that just mean maybe 10 minutes of extra work on a given project. The how-to is accurate, but unless your soldering TSSOP’s by hand the differences between the two are really not that significant.

Posted at 2:11 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by Wolf

Where I worked as an intern in the summer I was required to have a full medical (lung capacity test, eye site test etc) before being allowed to solder. I was talking the the nurse about lead free solder and from a medical perspective they think that lead free solder is *WORSE* for your health!!

The reason for this is that the lead absorbtion is one of the minimal risks associated with soldering. The way lead gets into the body is mainly through not washing your hands before eating etc – thus, if you are even vaguely disciplined at washing your hands before you eat then you greatly mitigate the risk – it is a sensible practice anyway working in any kind of lab, electronic or otherwise. AFAIK lead inhalation is a minimal risk (unless you are working with lead based powder – which is nasty stuff – but generally not used in electronics!) as it doesn’t evaporate when soldering. It also cannot be absorbed via the skin in its solid metallic form.

The big concern is ‘colophony’ – Lead free solder actually has some pretty nasty stuff in the flux – which is very easily inhaled if you don’t have appropriate extraction, which few hobbiests that I know do. The higher temperatures mean more of it is evaporated and turning into nasty stuff – meaning that one of the bigger risks is actually asthma!

This is all covered officially by the UK HSE in the links below – makes for some interesting reading as to what the UK regulations are in the work place, and actually realising their stringency in terms of medical checks!

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg305.pdf – ‘Lead and You!’
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg248.pdf – ‘Solder Fume and You!’
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/hsl_pdf/2006/hsl0658.pdf – ‘Hand Soldering – Information Summary’

Posted at 3:14 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by Paul Hampson

Steve Ciarcia’s recent editorial (not up yet, but link will be at http://www.circuitcellar.com/archives/priorityinterrupt/215.html ) covers this issue as well. After reading that, There’s no way I’m going to mess unleaded solder.

The environmental risk of lead is from lead in solution (paint, leaded gas, etc.), not solid metal. And the tin-whisker problem is very real. Swatch recently had to recall $1B worth of watches because of whisker related failures, and managed to get an exemption from the EU standards. The EU has handed out exemptions to military and “critical” communications gear as well.

Considering the toxic fluxes required, the increased soldering difficulties, and the strong chance of failures down the road, there’s really no good reason to use unleaded solder for personal projects.

Posted at 3:51 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by J. Peterson

Jesus, I hate filthy hippies so much.

Sorry, let me back up.

This is what happens when you give environmental whackos anything at all — the screw an entire industry without the slightest thought about negative consequences.

As #3 points out, there’s a reason we started using lead-based solder. And, as the article points out, lead-containing electronics a) are not among the top sources of environmental lead contamination, and b) are even less of a problem with electronics recycling programs, whereby the lead can be reclaimed.

It’s like saying we need to stop having motor oil in our engines, because it’s so bad for the environment when people pour it down the storm drain. Well, no, numb-nuts, we don’t need to stop using it, we need to stop pouring it down the drain. Don’t ban the problem product, *educate people* so they know what to do instead of throwing it away.

—

Also, I wanted to ask: it said RoHS came in to effect Jan 2007, but I only a few weeks ago started to notice RoHS stickers/labels on all sorts of electronics — even the HDMI cables I ordered online. Have they been there all along, and I just started noticing, or was there some more recent deadline that just passed?

Posted at 4:19 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by James

Another thing I forgot to include: obviously, lead is *not* a substance that builds up in your body forever, or none of us would be able to eat tuna anymore without ending up crazier than Nero. It’s just that it is excreted pretty slowly. Feel free to google “pb excretion rate” if you don’t believe me — googling “lead” tends to turn up the opposite of “follow” =-)

Posted at 4:37 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by James

I’ve been soldering since before grade school, and I must say, lead free solder is a pain in the ass to work with.

LEAD FTW!!!

Posted at 5:20 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by Trey

Oy.

I haven’t tried Lead Free, but I will keep it in mind (I don’t do a huge ton of soldering, and my spool will probably last a while).

As far as “adequate ventilation” goes, I like to open either one or both of my windows, and I have the habit of very gently blowing the plume away as I apply the solder, I don’t think I inhale much at all.

The Lead-Free stuff being bad for your respiratory system I do agree with, (just the same as Diet Soda will make me physically ill, “new improved” stuff doesn’t do me well). I don’t think I will lead free solder indoors, I don’t need anything making it harder for me to breathe.

Posted at 6:06 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by Miles

Despite all of the anti-lead-free discussion, I did really appreciate the article. It’s good to see a discussion from a hobbyist’s view rather than mass manufacturer.

On the tip sizing thing – I’ve found that in general, larger tips are better so long as they don’t cause bridging. I’ve never had trouble with overheating – in fact, I run my soldering iron fairly hot (400 deg C) so that I have very fast heating and can finish a joint in less time. Never lifted a pad, burned a board or damaged a component.

Posted at 6:17 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by Ian

I’m in a weird position on this, of being a leadlighter and an electronics dabbler.. I can’t see any way of banning old fashioned 60/40 entirely – I haven’t heard any murmurings from suppliers or the leadlighting industry here about changes to solders – I mean, we handle pure lead in the lead calme anyway, what do they expect us to do, make Tinlights? yeech.

oh and I’m with miles on the breathing thing.. When I’m using flux solder I’ll breathe in whilst laying up the solder and the iron, then breathe out as it connects and heats; it makes you slow down and notice every joint too.

Posted at 6:47 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by Loogie

To make a simple fume extractor, buy 10 80mm fans from Newegg (the volume discount makes it about $10 total with free shipping), and connect 9 of them in a square with wire-ties. Set the assembly behind where you solder and connect it to a 12V supply. You don’t need a filter since the fans will dissipate most of the smoke.

Posted at 11:21 pm on May 22nd, 2008 by Matt

h_2_o, any BGA is hard to work on this has nothing to do with lead free solder. You will always be able to get 63/37 tin lead solder there is no need to stock up.

I am sorry if I made it seem like lead free solders are that much harder, they are not! However there are differences and because of the increased heat some people with who do not solder all the time and do not have good equipment will see very minor difficulties. I would just get a small spool and try it for yourself. Most will find it not a big deal.

Paul Hampson, Miles and J. Peterson actually most of the new no clean fluxes do not have rosin in them. As you can see from this data sheet it is Colophony-free, Rosin is mainly used in older tin lead solders, this solder is probably safer than what you are using right now.
http://www.indium.com/_dynamo/download.php?docid=313
However I would still suggest a fan for anyone because of the flux fumes.

James, China is pushing their own version of Rohs now, this is why you are seeing more and more of it.

In the long rung lead will not win, the industry is moving this way, the plant I work at in the US which is not required to switch at all is moving that direction, based on customer demands. It is not really any different for us, as we have been using it for a couple years with out any problems.

Posted at 9:25 am on May 23rd, 2008 by Jason Rollette

I’ve tried that lead-free crap and all I say it is that I’m glad I stock piled on the lead solder so I have plenty. Since I don’t live in Europe, I don’t care about their regulations.
Lead free requires higher temperatures and makes solder whiskers (which I found in a non-working prototype, after using that solder). I won’t compromise my prototypes because some hippies want to feel good. I’ve been used lead solder for 30 years, and I am not suffering from any poisoning. I’ll keep using it until I can no longer hold a soldering iron :P

Posted at 11:03 am on May 23rd, 2008 by JB

I’ve been an electronics hobbyist for 35-odd years, since I was a little kid, and have soldered for most of that time. Obviously all the solder I used as a kid was leaded, and I continue to use leaded solder to this day. My dad, who taught me how to solder, drilled in the need to work in a ventilated area, and to wash my hands after handling electronics, which I think is adequate to guard against lead (and other toxins) poisoning.

I do think that using an extractor is wise, especially as you can get some very good ones very cheaply (I use a Weber extractor that I picked up from Jameco for about $35).

Posted at 3:41 pm on May 24th, 2008 by Jim

A few things:
1. It is important to remember that RoHS was initiated not only due to the hazards of exposing an operator to lead during soldering, but also to the environment and anyone who handles the any electronic component after solder is added. The recycling programs that reclaim lead are great for reclaiming lead, but the processes involve a lot of manual handling.
2. The reason you are seeing a lot of RoHS changes now is because suppliers are realizing that it is more cost effective to simply switch over their entire line card to RoHS parts. Most, if not all, of the electronics suppliers do business worldwide, which means that a great deal of their business will have to be RoHS parts. There are only a couple exempt classes of RoHS, which does not represent enough of sales for a company to justify (to itself) producing parts with the restricted materials. This assimilation for lead free, and (I guess) leaded parts took businesses some time to do because it was not a requirement but rather a business risk.
3. I’m not so sure that you will “always” be able to get the 63/37 solder. The RoHS initiative, and several other similar initiatives are ever growing. Especially with the recent “chicken little” syndrome that we (Americans) have had regarding “going green.”
4. The Xbox thing. This particular issue is two fold. Microsoft absolutely had to comply with RoHS as a regulatory concern regarding sales anywhere but here (US). However, Microsoft could have been a little less cheap and used a “silver” solder. Silver seems to mitigate some of the tin whisker and fracturing issues that are seen with higher concentrations of tin.

I think that RoHS is a good thing, however I do agree that the RoHS change was poorly implemented. It was clearly the result of a panicked outlook on things, and it was also clearly not led by engineers, but rather bureaucrats that shouldn’t have dabbled in such a serious change without some research.

Posted at 7:25 pm on May 24th, 2008 by William Riley

Jim,
I agree ventilation with any type of older flux is very important. The new no clean fluxes are much better, however I would still at minimum use a fan.

I use a 120mm computer fan with metal filter for a computer that I oiled to attract solids. It works pretty well. I then put a 1.5′ piece of 4″ flexible dryer hose on it. It collapses very nice and directs everything away from me.

Jason

Posted at 9:52 pm on May 24th, 2008 by Jason Rollette

Lead is not necessarily the best conductor and apart from the obvious perils of using it, a little silver in the mix makes for better electrical conductivity.

Silver provides the highest electrical conductivity of any metal.

For those who dispute lead as dangerous – it is a neurotoxin and they should consider that all lead; (except 204Pb)is the end product of a complex radioactive decay.

Posted at 12:30 am on May 26th, 2008 by Chris Wilson

it has nothing to do with conductivity and everything to do with preventing whiskers. it’s known that non-leaded solder has a severe problem with whiskers. of course, why would you expect a european government to know about what it’s regulating?

Posted at 1:05 am on May 26th, 2008 by name (required)

#19 You should also consider that almost all iron is the end product of a complex radioactive decay. (Primarily Ni->Co->Fe of the appropriate isotopes)

There is a lot of work being done on the radioactivity of 54Fe which is 5.8% isotopic abundance. The latest measurements say that its half-life is >1e22 years, which means that we’ll never be rid of it. Something to think about when your doctor treats you for anemia: just tell him ‘No way are you putting those radiation by-products into me.’

Posted at 11:29 am on May 26th, 2008 by Viadd

Too bad I had to read this. Thank you, author, f*uck you, pointy haired byrocrats making up stupid laws and regulations.

If I promise not to eat my PCBs, can I continue using lead solder?

Posted at 11:44 am on May 26th, 2008 by daqq

I work as a solderer for a contract electronics manufacturer. We are now doing about a third of our work with lead-free solder. None of the solderers like it. It’s high melting point makes it harder to get a good joint. It begins to harden as you pull your iron away resulting in “icicles”, dull-looking solder, etc.
The flux used in it STINKS! The smell is enough to have made veteran solderers sick. I would say that the flux is probably worse for you than the old leaded solder.

Posted at 4:17 pm on May 26th, 2008 by Ed Burden

“it has nothing to do with conductivity” ?

If just soldering pipes then I would agree. It has more to do with “reliability” of soldered critical components and it’s effectiveness at carrying current with minimal resistance.

Seriously, tin whiskers are a huge problem and using silver as a substitute for lead has its own issues.

The whisker problem was identified back in the 1940’s
The solution? Mix lead into the solder to prevent whiskers. Currently no other practical solution is known other than to ignore the European legal mandate and revert back?
http://image.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Technology/Pix/pictures/2008/04/02/TinWhiskers460×276.jpg

From my own understanding;
Whiskers tips are atom-sharp – they will pierce through any coating, given time.

Ideally we need to find a modern lead-free process solution.

Posted at 4:35 pm on May 26th, 2008 by Chris Wilson

Wow – a lot of misinformation in the comments here. Perhaps many of those commenting are suffering from reduced IQs?

First – Lead is a neurotoxin which the human body mistakes for calcium, it literally binds to bone and and slowly enters the bloodstream over time. Unless you’ve been exposed to a high dose, it’s unlikely you’d even know you’re being poisoned.

Second – There are millions of products on the market today with lead-free solder. Sony TVs, the PS3, Apple iPods, iPhone, computers, Dell servers, electronic musical keyboards, toasters, refrigerators, you name it. They’ve been out there for years – with no significant issues. Billions of dollars worth of consumer electronics. The XBox 360 failures are attributable to heating issues – not tin-whiskers.

Please learn the facts before commenting.

Posted at 4:58 pm on Jun 6th, 2008 by Marc

Not sure why exactly but the title of this page: http://www.computerhistory.org/semiconductor/timeline/1901-semiconductor.html refers to lead-sulfide as…
1901 – Semiconductor Rectifiers Patented as “Cat’s Whisker” Detectors.

I wonder if the original reference here was “Cat’s Whiskers” now known today more specifically as “Tin Whiskers”?

The reference to WHISKERS – LEAD SULFIDE – ELECTRONICS etc. draws me to the conclusive opinion.

Posted at 12:32 am on Aug 6th, 2008 by Chris Wilson

i’m finding using lead-free difficult – mainly because of my tips, which don’t like to be left for any length of time (tinned or untinned). if they are left they brown up… not sure whether this is this because of the flux core in the solder – so far i’ve only used one brand.

trying to rework a join has been my biggest problem – no amount of heat will budge some joints… but i’ve found that a small amount of solder applied to the tip prior to reworking a joint helps _a lot_ (and stops me from burning a hole in the board).

i’ve ordered some lead-free tip cleaner, and i’m hoping that helps with my tip performance.

re: the move to rohs i understand people being annoyed; but this is the way the world is moving, and my feeling is we need to move with it.

it’s a new material – and new techniques and methods need to be established… i reckon we should work towards finding those techniques rather than just shouting the usual ‘nanny-state’ b*****t.

i’m in the uk and a year and a half ago it seemed unbelievable that smoking would be banned in pubs and clubs – now it’s hard to believe it was ever allowed. my point being, established attitudes can change in a short amount of time.

Posted at 10:57 am on Aug 10th, 2008 by lukus

Hobbist question here…
I am using solder to make pendants.
I take two 1.5″ pieces of cut glass and sandwitch a photo in between them.
I use copper tape to bind the glass and photo together.
Then I add to the tape a cream lead free flux. Then I solder this all together with 60/40 rosin core solder. This works really good!
So – in comes the “Oh-MA-Gawd is there lead in that pendant!?” question that I’m worried I’ll get from people if I decide to sell them. Others who sell this same kind of pendant brag that they use “lead free” solder. I tried lead free and I’ve practiced and practiced. I researched and I bought hotter irons and still it is ugly and looks like crap! I think the people who claim they use lead free on their pendants are lieing… anyway, sorry to go on here(maybe I have brain damage) :-)
What do you think? Will people who buy a pendant with 60/40 solder be harmed? Will I?

Posted at 2:45 pm on Sep 28th, 2008 by Bec

Lots of interesting comments-
To the post about pendants:
The biggest problem with jewelry containing lead is small children getting hold of it. There have been news reports of cheap jewelry from China with lead in solder or casting metals. Kids like to chew on things- I guess they have plenty extra kids in China. Also, do you really want someone handling the pendant, wearing it against their skin, then perhaps eating- unaware of the (perhaps slight) danger?

How about epoxies? You need to handle them carefully- gloves and ventilation (you build up sensitivity over time if your skin touches them), but once cured they are supposedly not toxic.

I bet you could find the right epoxy and get a nice looking bond that would keep your tape fixed in place- you can build airplane structures with the stuff…..

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I’ve seen how some “lead-free” solders still contain up to 88% lead. What’s up with the advertisement on here for x-rated videos? Lame.

Posted at 3:17 pm on Feb 11th, 2009 by Shannon

tin whiskers are also known as dendrites.
In the late 70’s we saw this on ceramic IC packages using matte tin plated leadframes. I beleive it requires hi temp and humidity to make this happen. It certainly accelerates it anyway. In mil spec testing, humidity life testing is required and that is where this would show up.
Acording to Kester’s data sheets, their “275″ products appear free from this behaviour.

Posted at 10:55 am on Mar 7th, 2009 by Kevin

i’ve just finished reading through these comments. I agree with someone who said it earlier: it is nice to hear info from people who actually solder, and not radical environmentalists with a bunch of worthless propaganda! i am very interested in picking up soldering for jewelry, and appreciate all the honesty.

i will probably have to try both types of solder, just to see what i’m dealing with on a difficulty level. my pre-concerns about using regular solder are, will anyone trust the product? Also, with regular lead-free solder, is it truly safer, and a more economical choice? Can it be recycled?

Posted at 7:57 pm on Sep 3rd, 2009 by CW

i would just like to add that despite how right some may be, with all the craze of being eco-friendly the lead will be feared rather than respected, and will sooner than later be squeezed out of U.S. society. No matter how much we would want it, the bureaucracy exists, and is growing exponentially.

Posted at 8:17 pm on Sep 3rd, 2009 by CW

I’m going to assume that the posters shouting about bloody hippies and nanny states don’t have kids?!
Lead is a poison, the less of if we have the better for the environment & better for our kids.
Use lead free silver solder and you’ll be fine.

Posted at 3:34 am on Sep 4th, 2009 by spinner