Rant: People keep using the wrong solder on old circuit boards

I've been fixing up some vintage audio gear from the 70s lately, and I keep seeing posts where folks use lead-free solder on these old boards. The issue is that the old components and traces are super sensitive to higher melting temps. Lead-free needs around 220°C, while the old 60/40 stuff melts at 190°C. I've had to fix lifted pads on three different receivers last month because someone used the wrong stuff. Anyone else notice this mistake when working on older electronics?

3 comments

3 Comments

martinez.paul1d ago

Wait, am I the only one who's accidentally used the wrong solder and then spent an hour trying to fix the mess? I melted a pad off a vintage Marantz tuner last month using that lead-free junk, and I just sat there staring at it like a dumbass (which I am, apparently). Now I keep a little stash of 60/40 in my toolbox for anything older than me, which is most things honestly.

ben_fisher1d ago

Martinez.paul I dunno man, melting a pad off sounds more like a heat issue than a solder type issue lol. Lead free is annoying to work with for sure but it's not gonna turn a Marantz into toast unless you're cranking the iron way too hot or holding it there forever. I've used both on vintage gear and never had a pad lift unless I was being careless or using a cheap iron with no temp control. Not saying it can't happen but blaming the solder seems like a stretch when technique is probably the real culprit. Keep your stash of 60/40 if it makes you feel better, but maybe grab a temp controlled station too and save yourself some grief.

ward.diana1d ago

@martinez.paul I’ve had lead free lift pads too, it’s not just technique.