Solder Preference - Spool or Tube

[BuddytheReow]

So, I’m starting to run low on solder. I use 60/40. My soldering iron came with a dispenser shaped as a large crayon and keep refilling it. I’m thinking of pulling the trigger on getting a spool of it instead of the multiple tubes. I don’t have a dowel to put the spool on. At least not yet.

What kind of solder do you guys use? Any preferences out there? Thanks!

 

[Harry Klippton]

I use a spool and I clip off about 8" at time to work with

 

[benny_profane]

I use a spool on a dispenser:

• Solder: Kester 24-6337-0027 (Sn63PB37 3.3% 66/44 .031 diameter)
• Stand

 

[Barry]

I use a spool sitting on my bench and just unwind as I go, mg chemical 63/37 .032 at the moment

 

[Dan0h]

I started (and still use) these tubes, never thought I’d be 48 builds in. Always wanted to pick up a spool but thought, “just one more pedal I don’t need a huge spool”. 600 tubes later…. Lead free Kester. I know I know but it is what it is.

 

[thesmokingman]

I use an old set of helping hands to hold my solder spool and my solder wick ... and usually a spool of whatever wire I'm using for a build

 

[peccary]

I use a spool on a dispenser:

• Solder: Kester 24-6337-0027 (Sn63PB37 3.3% 66/44 .031 diameter)
• Stand

I use the same stand, but with Kester 44

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001W2XZOS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_51WRGR4N7Q3R4MHHNX4G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[spi]

I buy solder in tubes, as it's easier to hold on to than having a big spool.

I've stuck to using either MG Chemicals 4860 or Kester 44 (both are 63/37). They both work great, but Kester costs a bit more (and has a better smell).

 

[Bio77]

I use a spool and wind off a stretch, like Barry described, then wind it back up when I'm done. I think you might want to try a tube of 63/37 and see if you like it better before upgrading to a spool.

 

[Barry]

I buy solder in tubes, as it's easier to hold on to than having a big spool.

I've stuck to using either MG Chemicals 4860 or Kester 44 (both are 63/37). They both work great, but Kester costs a bit more (and has a better smell).

You probably should stop snorting that stuff!

 

[Betty Wont]

I use a spool and hold the spool in my hand to guide the 3-4 inches I have unwound. I keep a bit of plastic wrap around the spool to protect my hands. I dont touch the actual solder with my hands.

 

[spi]

I use a spool and hold the spool in my hand to guide the 3-4 inches I have unwound. I keep a bit of plastic wrap around the spool to protect my hands. I dont touch the actual solder with my hands.

I end up touching solder a lot despite my efforts not to. I think since it's an alloy it shouldn't be too bad (lead will be inert)? That's what I tell myself anyway, and I hope it's alright. I do wash hands every time I stop soldering.

 

[peccary]

I end up touching solder a lot despite my efforts not to. I think since it's an alloy it shouldn't be too bad (lead will be inert)? That's what I tell myself anyway, and I hope it's alright. I do wash hands every time I stop soldering.

I use D-Wipes after playing with solder. It's some kind of peace of mind.

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[Harry Klippton]

I use D-Wipes after playing with solder. It's some kind of peace of mind.

Amazon.com: D-Lead D-Wipe Disposable Towels - 70 towels Per Container, WT-071 : Health & Household

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I started using d wipes per @peccary recommendation after my daughter was born


Edit: and wearing an apron

 

[Barry]

I use D-Wipes after playing with solder. It's some kind of peace of mind.

Amazon.com: D-Lead D-Wipe Disposable Towels - 70 towels Per Container, WT-071 : Health & Household

Buy D-Lead D-Wipe Disposable Towels - 70 towels Per Container, WT-071 on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders

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No wonder I've always thought plumbers were a little "Different"

 

[Robert]

I use a spool, as I have done for 20+ years.

I'm not saying you should, I'm just saying I do.

I wash my hands when I'm done soldering... religiously, to a fault... but I suffer a bit from obsessive compulsive disorder so I also wash my hands after doing pretty much anything... including showers and washing my hands. (sad but completely true)

 

[Betty Wont]

I used to chew on lead fishing sinkers as a kid. I can use all the prophylactics I can get these days.

 

[Barry]

When I was a very young rookie in tech school, we used to take Mercury out of old thermostats and roll it around in our hands

 

[peccary]

I used to chew on lead fishing sinkers as a kid. I can use all the prophylactics I can get these days.

My grandpa was an engineer/inventor and I can still picture him in his shop with a piece of solder hanging from his mouth.

 

[Coda]

I use lead-free on a spool. I put a nail on the edge of my work space to hold it. It only sometimes becomes entangled with the cord of my soldering iron…