Solder

Bond together metallic components and create effective, lasting circuits with the RS range of solder.

Produced from high-grade alloys, our solder wire is easily worked and produces a durable bond. When used in tandem with the many quality soldering tools and equipment on offer in our range, you can have complete confidence in whatever you produce or repair.

Our range includes wire for soldering electronics, jewelry, pipework, and much more. And we offer solder bars, wire, and paste in several leaded and lead-free alloys. All are produced by top names like AIM Solder, GC Electronics, and MG Chemicals. We also offer a wide range of popular Kester Solder supplies.

Explore our solder range below to find the right solder and soldering tools for your requirements. To learn more about what solder is, how it's used, what it's made of, its various types, and what sets apart the RS range, read on or visit our expert hub. And don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

What is solder? How is it used?

Solder is a metal alloy that is used to bond together metal components. Typically, solder has a lower melting point than the components to which it is applied. When heated with a soldering tool such as a soldering iron or gun, it melts, before quickly solidifying once the heat source is removed. To remove solder from a joint or board, desoldering braid is used.

Solder is a crucial material for electronics prototyping, electrical repair, plumbing, jewelry crafting, roofing, and many other applications. It can come in a range of alloys with melting points between 190 to 840 degree F (90 and 450 degree C) in the case of soft solder, and over 840 degree F (450 degree C) for hard solder - the latter typically used for brazing processes.

What is solder made of?

Solder is produced from a metal alloy. Typically, this will include tin and lead, although other metals such as copper, zinc, silver, antimony, or bismuth may also be added. A common mix is 60% tin to 39% lead (with the final 1% comprising other metals) though concentrations between 5 to 70% are possible; more tin equaling greater tensile strength.

Lead-free solder is also available - and is a prerequisite in electronics manufacturing due to legislation such as the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) rules. In the case of lead-free solder, one of the metals listed above is used as a replacement.

Many solder products also feature flux, typically in the core of the solder. This material purifies the joint, removing impurities and preventing oxidation from occurring.

What types of solder are available?

Several types of solder are available, suiting different soldering tools, applications, and tasks.

• Solder wire: Solder wire is the most common form of solder and is often sold in a spool. Wire is typically used for soldering electronics as it allows the user to apply small, precise amounts of alloy.
• Solder paste: Provided in a tub and applied via a syringe, solder paste is a mixture of minute spheres of solder alloy within flux. It is often used when soldering printed circuit boards. Here, the sticky paste placed on the board (often using a stencil), the component affixed, then heat via a soldering iron used to liquify the beads of solder and create a lasting bond.
• Solder bars: Solder bars are thick sticks of solder used in plumbing, roofing, and other more heavy-duty soldering applications where a large volume of solder is required to affix heavier materials to one another. This category includes 50-50 tri-bar solder, an alloy of 50% tin and 50% lead which has a triangular cross section - popular in seam soldering metal sheeting.

Why buy solder from RS?

When choosing the right solder or soldering tools, you need to be able to trust in the quality of the alloy. With the RS extensive selection of solder bars, wires, and pastes, you can be sure that the bonds you form are durable and lasting.

That's because our relationships with our suppliers have been forged over decades. We only distribute the best-quality solder, from top names like Kester Solder, AIM Solder, and MG Chemicals.

Whatever the task, our solder is at hand. It is available in a range of shapes, lengths, materials, and diameters and can be purchased individually or in bulk. To ensure that your chosen solder matches the specifications of the task, be sure to click or tap the PDF icon to view in-depth technical information.

If you have any questions about our products or your order, please get in touch with our helpful team. Alternatively, visit our expert hub to check out a range of guides, articles, and other content designed to help you get the most from your solder and soldering tools.