Soldiers can act as a great form of adhesive for your pipes at home. No matter what kind of pipes you are dealing with, a solder can hold the joints together, and give your house a leak-free solution. That is why this product is so wildly popular amongst people for their at-home plumbing problems.
But, when you are buying solder to use for pipes that carry water, you need to make your decision wisely.
Pipes that will carry water, especially drinking water, need to be lead-free. This is so that no toxins make their way into your body.
The best lead-free solder will be able to give your pipes a leak-free joint and protect your drinking water from unwanted chemicals.
Our Top 5 Best Lead Free Solder For 2023
AUSTOR 0.8mm Lead-Free Soldering Wire
Solder that is meant to be used in electronics can be a little thinner in diameter. This Auster 0.8 mm solder melts quickly to adhere to any kind of joint. The material is also known for settling in and fixating quickly. It truly is the best lead free solder for electronics.
The composition of the unit includes 2% flux, 0.7% copper, 0.3% silver, and 99% tin. Therefore, it’s safe to say that the product is lead-free.
If you need solder for your water pipes, this product can be of great use. No lead means there are no harmful chemicals or toxins mixed with the water in your pipes.
Some of us are always worried when using lead-free solder because of its melting point. Although most of these soldiers take a while to melt properly, the Auster solder does not. It’s comparatively a lot better, faster, and hence, our first choice.
A melting range of 419°F – 428°F helps with smooth, lump-free, quick melting. The solder is great for beginners because when the solder melts, it does not become too runny. It is malleable, so you get some time to adjust and fix the placement of the solder.
Highlighted Features
- Composed of mostly tin, copper, silver, and flux
- No lead, and no toxins in the construction
- A thin 0.8mm diameter is perfect for use on electronics
- Lump-free and quick melting
- Melts in a manageable flow; does not run off quickly
Kester 83-7068-1402 SN96.5 Lead Free Flux Core Solder
With a wire diameter of just 0.31 inches, this product can be used for electronic soldering quite easily. The smaller diameter enables faster melting of the solder. Therefore, the waiting time for your solder to be applied is shortened.
Kester has made their solder meet and exceeds the RA flux standards. You get instant action wetting, which results in quick and dependable solder joints.
Made with 96% tin, the solder does not have any lead content. So you might see that the solder takes a bit longer to melt than lead with 0.31 inches.
Because it has a core size of 66 and is designed to melt smoothly, you won’t face much trouble in that sector.
The composition also includes metals such as copper and silver at .5% and 3% respectively.
Added rosin core, with a thin diameter, also makes the product great for jewelry making. Because you get so much control over the flow, and easy placement of the solder, it is great for attaching small parts of jewelry successfully.
Highlighted Features
- Contains only .5% copper
- Gives you full control of the flow and placement of solder
- Easier to melt than other lead-free solders
- Comes with a rosin core
- Meets and exceeds RA flux standards
ZSHX Lead-Free Electronics Solder Wire
One important thing that you need to look for in a lead-free solder it’s how it melts. Because lead-free solders have a higher melting point, they can be hard to work with at times.
The ZSHX wire has a melting point of 422 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is quite low for a solder that does not contain any lead.
Because the solder can be melted easily, your work is efficient and fast. There’s no need to use any high-end heating tools. A regular propane gun will do just fine.
This solder is constructed of materials such as solder wire tin, copper, and silver. There’s no lead and no toxic metals in the making.
A 0.6 mm diameter helps improve the melting speed. You’ll notice that the product melts as soon as it comes in contact with a hot surface. The ease of use is an appreciatable feature for at-home DIY enthusiasts.
The manufacturers make the spool in different weights ranging from 50 grams to 100 grams. No matter how big or small your task in hand is, this solder will surely be able to help out.
Highlighted Features
- Comes in spool; weight ranging from 50-100 grams
- Can be melted using a regular propane gun
- High-speed melting with controllable flow
- Rodin core added
- 0.6 mm solder diameter, marketed for use in electrical needs
Enersystec Tin Lead-Free Solder Wire
In earlier times, lead-free solder would only be used in water pipes. But now, lead-free solder is slowly but surely making its way into the world of electric appliances.
This enersystec high-performance solder is perfect for any kind of task. It has a high electrical conductivity, which makes it one of the best lead free solder options for electrical equipment.
Available in spool-type packaging, it’s pretty easy to use and store the product. You don’t need any other extra form of carrying case for this product.
Because this solder is so thin, it might not be the right product for copper or any sort of pipes. It’s about 0.032 inches wide, which makes it ideal for MCUs, or small soldering tasks. It’s also safe to be used in laptops, drones, phones, and smartwatches.
The lead-free composition consists of copper, silver, and tin. Made in compliance with RoHS, the solder causes no harm to the environment. Not only is the composition good for you, but it’s also good for your surroundings.
Highlighted Features
- Made in compliance with RoHS; is environment friendly
- High electrical conductivity; great for electronic soldering
- Can be used with mobile phones, drones, and even smartwatches
- 0.032 mm thickness: ideal for MCUs and small tasks
- Spool packaging is easy to work with; does not need an extra storage unit
Enersystec Ultra-Thin 0.01-inch Rosin Core Solder
Are you looking for a lead-free solder that Is ultra-thin? This enersystec Solder Wire just might be the answer to all your problems. The diameter of only 0.01 inches or 0.254mm makes this the thinnest solder on our list.
Lead-Free soldiers can be a bit more difficult to melt down than soldiers that have lead. But because this product is so thin, the Enersystec Ultra-thin solder might outshine the soldiers that have lead.
Small tasks such as jewelry making, or adding solder to MSD pads can be done quite smoothly using this product.
A low melting point of just 419 F ensures smooth and controlled melting. But as the diameter is so thin, the product should not be used in larger tasks, such as for pipe joints. This solder is better used on electronic equipment, toys, or even jewelry.
When it comes to composition, the product contains silver, copper, and tin. Therefore, the wire has amazing conductivity, which allows it to be used safely as electronic solder.
Rosin and flux have been added to the composition. But for some joints, you might have to use extra flux, which is not included in the purchase.
Highlighted Features
- Extra thin 0.01-inch diameter
- Amazing conductivity, great for electronic appliances and jewelry making
- Can be used as solder for MSD pads
- Rosin core and flux added
- Compatible with most kinds of flux
Lead-Free Electrical Solder Buying Guide
If you want to join your pipes at home with the best lead free solder, you need to choose the product carefully. Go through all the features and benefits that the solder offers before putting your money on it. Here are a few functions and features that you could keep in mind when buying a lead-free solder.
Size Of The Solder
A standard size to go for when buying solder for pipes or electronics is 0.711 to 1.63 mm. This diameter is set as a standard size because the product melts in the right amount.
Since a solder that is wider in diameter melts in large amounts, it can be too overwhelming for a joint. On the other hand, for a solder that is too thin, the melted solder will be quite less in amount.
If the job at hand requires a large amount of solder, you can opt for the ones with a larger diameter. For bigger tasks, it’s also better if you go for a larger spool of solder. Basically, you have to select the diameter based on what you will be using the solder on.
Composition
When buying a lead-free solder, the composition of the product is one of the main things that you need to keep in mind.
Oftentimes, solder that has a composition involving tin and silver is lead-free. Soldiers usually have labels that state their lead additive status, along with other involved metals.
Products that are made of tin and lead melt quickly at 361 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. Therefore your work is completed much faster.
The composition of the solder affects other features such as the color of the product and the setting time. Therefore, checking the components the solder is made of is crucial at the buying stage.
Melt Point
A lower melting point between 360 and 370 degrees Fahrenheit is what you need to keep your eyes on. The lower the melting point, the easier it will be to add the solder in between the joints. You won’t need any high-maintenance heating guns to ensure that the solder melts smoothly.
Ease Of Use
Check whether the solder you are buying comes with flux or not. The solder has to be packed in with flux, so it’s better if the flux is added to your purchase.
Also, solder that comes wrapped in a spool is much easier to use than ones that don’t. So, the more user-friendly the solder is, the better.
Lead-Free Solder Vs Lead Solder
Every product in the world has some advantages and disadvantages. While there are many advantages to lead-free solder, there are some disadvantages too.
Lead-free solder has one big advantage. They do not contain any toxins that will harm you. So you can add the product to your water pipes and in-house plumbing.
But, lead-free solder also has a higher melting point than the solders that have lead in them. Therefore, lead-free soldiers are a bit harder to use. You need more heat and time to melt lead-free solder properly.
Because the product is tough to melt down smoothly, beginners sometimes face a lot of trouble using lead-free solder.
Lead Solder
Using lead-tin solder is much easier than using lead-free solder. Iron regains its working temperature much faster when lead solder is used.
Because they have a lower melting point, lead solders are easier to melt. Also, the flow of the product is manageable and smooth.
Lead-tin solders have little to no internal flaws after cooling down. Tin whiskers can be avoided using this kind of solder as well. They have a shock-resistant feature, which can be beneficial as well.
But, one thing you must consider is that these soldiers are not good for your health. You should definitely avoid lead-tin solders if you plan on using the product for water pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Diameter Should A Standard Solder Have?
A standard size to consider when buying solder is 0.711 to 1.63 mm. This size melts easily and has a smooth flow.
How Thick Should Solder For Electronics Be?
For electronics, you can go for solder that is 0.711 to 1.63 mm in thickness. As electronics usually don’t need that much solder, this thickness will be more than enough.
Is Lead-Free Solder Better Than Lead Solder?
There are pros and cons to both of these soldiers. When buying solder for water pipes, it’s better if you go for lead-free ones. You can avoid mixing any kind of toxins with your drinking water this way.
But, for electronics, or other purposes, you can go for lead-tin solders. These melt faster and have added extra features as well.
What Is Lead-Free Solder Used For?
Lead-free solder is mostly used on water pipes. The solder does not contain any harmful chemicals and is safe to be used for drinking water pipes.
Can You Use Lead-Free Solder On Copper?
Yes, you can. Lead-free solder is one of the most common kinds of solder used for copper pipes. The products do not react with each other and work in perfect harmony.
Final Word
The best lead free solder is the safest option to go for if you want to avoid toxins in your drinking water.
Lead-free solder does need a little bit more heat to work smoothly. But you can surely wait a few extra seconds for the sake of your health.
We’ve noted down a few of the top options that you should consider buying. If you don’t want to buy the wrong solder and end up with leaky pipes, weak joints, and broken electronics, buy a solder that has all the right features. After all, you do deserve the best!
