Hacker News Reader

Comment by schoen | Hacker News Reader

> Get leaded solder when possible. It's easier to use and joints are a lot less subject to tin whiskers.

If you do use leaded solder, be extra-sure to wash your hands after soldering.

I know it's supposed to be much better, but the idea of vaporizing lead anywhere remotely near where kids may someday play is pretty intimidating. Are there any useable lead free solders?

Lead can't really vaporize at any temperature used in soldering. There are other fumes (mostly from flux) to be worried about, and you have to make sure that solder leftovers are well disposed of (especially when desoldering). But lead free is definitely usable now, though I only use it for solder paste.

The smoke you see while working with solder is from the flux, not the lead. Lead doesn't vaporize at the temperatures soldering exposes it to.

Just don't put the solder in your mouth and wash your hands.

Here is one stack exchange answer that seems well researched to me: https://electronics.stackexchange.com/a/19086

I also did a lot of googling on the subject recently when I decided I wanted to try out Stained glass, but wasn't sure what precautions I should take. I've come to the personal conclusion to not stress about the lead in solder.

The lead does not vaporize at soldering temperatures. The fumes are just flux. Will irritate eyes and airway, but won't really hurt you. However do wash your hands, and if you are de-soldering with a pump you probably want to vacuum wipe surfaces with a damp cloth, as you can end up creating some lead dust in the process.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com