HACKER Q&A
📣 DenisDolya

What is better to use lead-free/leaded solder?


What is better to use lead-free/leaded solder, Considering safety and effectiveness, different sites give different answers, some say lead-free is better, others they are equally harmful. I want to hear your opinion.


  👤 sen Accepted Answer ✓
Leaded is easier to solder with, lead-free is less bad for you, but inhaling any fumes from burning stuff isn’t good for you, so use an extractor/filter no matter what.

👤 DivingForGold
The choice of flux used is probably more important. Aggressive fluxes are easier to solder with, but leave behind a acid residue which can be problematic for electronic circuits. Fluxes preferred for electronic applications are the least acid, but not as easy to to get the liquid solder to bond.

👤 the__alchemist
Lead-free. Lead isn't worth it, especially if you're doing this at home.

👤 datameta
Personally, I learned on lead-free solder and the rosin core is almost always enough flux for me aside from rework. Always use an extractor/filter either way.