Recommend a solder for surface mount work?

Question

I have an Apple iBook G4 which seems to suffer from a malady that can be remedied with a shim. I think mine needs more than physical adjustment, so I'd like to reinforce (resolder?) at least two surface mount connections on a particular IC.

The recommended solder diameter seems to run from 0.015" to 0.02" and I have a small tube of Kester solder with 62/36/2 Sn/Pb/Ag sitting here ready to be used. Its diameter is 0.02"

Should I return this tube and get some 60/40 Sn/Pb solder or is there a case to use the 62/36/2 Sn/Pb/Ag solder?

Thanks for reading.

Robert Baer · Accepted Answer

They melt at similar temperatures; use the silver bearing solder if that is all you have - not a problem. Might even be better if the assembly was made "Woe Hoss" meaning unleaded solder which most tyoes has around 3.5 percent silver.

lurch · Answer

There is a chance that it was made with a leaded process, but morelikely, it was a lead free process, so neither of your two choices wouldbe the right one.

John Fields · Answer

---Use what you have; it'll be fine.JF

Nico Coesel · Answer

Just use the 60/40. I doubt you'll need to apply extra solder. What is more important is flux. You'll need to apply flux first and then solder. Don't use a small tip that will only make things worse. Use a tip that spans about 2 pins and solder more than one pin at the time. A small tip can't transfer the amount of heat. The flux will make sure you won't get a short. In case you get a short, apply more flux and resolder or use desoldering braid. Practise on another PCB first.

Recommend a solder for surface mount work?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?