I need to fix a thing

[WVNed]

My wife broke that came from her parents house. I have to solder 2 wires to a board again.

How do I tell if it is lead free or lead based solder so they will stick back together. I don't know how old it is but it isn't ancient, maybe 10-15 years.

It's a solar wind chime on a stand her parents got for an anniversary.

 

[Monkey Wrench]

I'd remove it all and just resolder.

 

[Donnie533]

just solder with what you have - solder will all melt together. No issues mixing lead-free of leaded solder.

 

[WVNed]

I'd remove it all and just resolder.

I believe that is beyond my tools and skill set.

just solder with what you have - solder will all melt together. No issues mixing lead-free of leaded solder.

The only time I did that nothing stuck.

 

[Monkey Wrench]

I believe that is beyond my tools and skill set.

The only time I did that nothing stuck.

Sounds like your iron isn't hot enough or you're not using flux.

 

[Donnie533]

leaded solder is between 5-70% tin + lead, lead-free is 95% tin + antimony.

use a solder flux or paste during soldering to remove impurities.

 

[tntpoof]

use a solder flux and a hotter iron as in more watts

 

[WVNed]

My Radio Shack rosin core worked fine.
Heat.... I recently bought the Hakko Soldering station Woodie recommended for my train project. Heat is not a problem now.

Thanks guys

 

[Greywolf74]

If it was made in China theres a 99% probability its not lead free solder

 

[bill_delong]

I tried lead-free solder and it just created a mess because it requires higher temps before it melts and the flow is not as smooth

I prefer 60/40 with 0.6mm diameter like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075WTX9WY

If your solder is too thick you risk applying too much solder and may accidentally bridge your connections which is the problem I ran into with the lead-free solder

 

[Greywolf74]

I also can't stand using lead free solder. My go to is 63/37 but 60/40 works good as well. I usually keep various diameters around. I have .2mm, .6mm, .8mm, and 1.2mm. Just depends on what I'm soldering.