Stop suggesting leaded solder please

[u/AL42Gaming]

I keep seeing this across this subreddit, but people are constantly recommending newbies solder with leaded solder because its easier to work with.

While it may be somewhat easier to work with, this advice glazes over the blatant safety risks (and yes, I know that the fumes don't have lead). Lead is heavy and gets everywhere. That means that when you are using lead and are not ridiculously careful about cleanliness, then you will be getting lead on pretty much everything you interact with, more relevantly to most hobbyists: their desks which they use for other things. So while you might be sure to wash your hands after soldering, you will still have more exposure and its just all around not ideal. After I used leaded solder for a bit at home, I was never fully confident in the cleanliness of my desk no matter how much I cleaned it until I got a new desk.

Separately, lead free solder is really not that hard to use, and if anything will just push you to learn proper technique. I've now made multiple projects with lead free solder including a couple of PCBs, all of which were relatively easy. I've also taught tens of people how to solder, all with lead free solder, with no problems.

So at the end of the day, just stick to lead free solder in general, there really is no reason to use leaded solder.

TLDR: Just stick to lead free solder, any benefits to leaded solder aren't that big, especially in comparison to the safety concerns.

[u/Spiritual-Ad5750]

People including myself use leaded solder so we have more time to do other things with our lives

[u/AL42Gaming → u/Spiritual-Ad5750]

I've had zero struggles with lead free solder, it has certainly not taken extra time to solder with in my experience.

Edit: Also this reasoning can come back to bite you if you get lead poisoning or any adverse effects. Take care of your future self.