I don't know about you guys, but I have always used WS Deans racing solder for all of my electrical connections, including battery pack building, but lately I cannot seem to locate a source for their solder. It's been out of stock for a year or more now. I wonder what the deal is? Is it because the solder contains lead and everyone is going to lead free solder these days? I couldn't believe the difference between the Deans solder and these new fangled lead free solders. The Deans solder is so much easier to work with and get great joints. I absolutely hate these lead free silver solders. I've gone back to regular 60/40 rosin core solder for everything these days, but I really want to find some WS Deans Racing solder again.

Thoughts?

I think Deans is made in CA?? Any way, the racing solder is a victim of the lead free business. You won't be seeing anymore unless you can find it at a store that hasn't sold out.

That really stinks. I can't seem to get as nice of solder joints without the lead. The silver solder acts like it's sticky and needs more heat to melt nicely, but with the higher temps, I'm having problems melting the Deans plugs too. I have plenty of soldering experience, but I guess not with the silver solders. Maybe I just need more practice.

if you dont already, solder with the 2 halves of the plug put together to help absorb of the heat.

are you using any solder flux? I find I can get a good solder joint with bad solder as long as I use flux....



Something like that should last you years and only costs a couple of bucks...

I also am a big fan of the Deans Solder. It just made everything flow so nicely, have not seen anything that compares around. LHS told me they discontinued the product. Using Novak solder now and its the best I can find, but not up to par with Deans. Flux does help alot though.

Kester sold a formulation of their solder that was supposed to be very close to Deans solder. I tried emailing them about it, KE1119 - 18ga solder and KE1120 which is 23ga. Both are 2% silver. They never replied and I haven't had time to pursue. I have been warned if we find it, its expensive, but I don't know exactly what that means.

Guess I need to try calling a real live person this time.

Thats good info, Thanks

Thanks for sharing info! I tried emailing Deans and their email is no longer active. A message pops up mentioning that you should call them in person with questions. Might have to do that someday. Email would just be easier for me.

Try the hudy solder it's really good. It's $8.25, pretty pricey for solder but well worth it. #HUD106290, 1.0mm thick and 60/40 Sn/Pb. Contains 3.3% flux core. The 3m length of solder is nicely rolled into a tiny tube.

Like the guys above me had said..

the deans racing solder is basically a standard 60/40 flux core solder with 2% silver. You can find this stuff around with a google search. Definitely use some added flux when you solder. The flux core is rarely enough to make clean good looking joints.

There is a thread about this in the electric on-road section (I'd post it if the search function worked lol).

Any way people were recommending Radio Shack solder.... recently tried it and it works pretty good! Lot easier to work with then the Novak.

Deans racing solder is 62% Tin, 36% lead and 2% silver. Kester lists this as SN62PB36AG2. If you've been using Deans, you know that anybody's 60/40 is not the same. It doesn't look the same and doesn't work the same. 60/40 joints are a dull color compared to the brite, silvery solder joints from Deans. I've never needed any additional flux using Deans besides whats already in the solder.

Not saying anything about 60/40 not working as well or anything like that before anyone goes getting upset. This is mainly preference based since either solder gets teh job done.

Kester used to make their equivalent and a few overseas have told me they can still get it in England.

An you can't find it, google or not - try a few, you'll find it listed in plenty of stores but its "temp out of stock" everywhere. People that use it have dried up what supply remained after Deans quit making it.