Why do my solder joints fail?

According to Rush PCB, there are three main causes for solder joints to fail: Fracture—tensile rupture from overloading. Creep—long-lasting and permanent loading. Fatigue—from cyclic loading.

How do you fix a failed solder joint?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Apply a thin layer of flux all around it like this and get some locking pliers on the pipe to lightly tap it in place until it reaches the mark.

Can a soldered joint fail?

With that said, the joint is going to eventually fail as cracks weaken the joint over time. Adding more solder and reheating the joint is the best way to prevent failure. Solder joints do and will fail.

How do you know if your solder joints are good?

A good solder joint should have an even band of solder showing all the way around. If you see an area that looks as if it needs more solder, brush a little flux onto the joint. If the joint is still warm, the flux will melt and flow into the void. Then reheat the joint and resolder.

Does solder deteriorate?

Solder shelf-life centers on oxidation and the deterioration of the rosin core. Tin/Lead solder can oxidize as it ages. Proper storage can slow the process (and no, sitting in a junk drawer isn’t considered proper storage). The more oxidation on the solder, the less effective the rosin.

Can you solder on top of solder?





Just heat the joint up with your torch, once the solder starts to melt use Channel locks to pull the fittings apart. Once the joint is apart, wipe as much old solder off as you can with a rag. Now you can start over. Clean, Flux, solder.

Can you reheat a solder joint?

You can re heat and move it. You might brush a little flux on it first and heat slowly The problem with re heating a joint is getting it too hot and ruining the solder seal. Fix one side firmly so that as soon as it moves you can adjust it and quickly leave it alone.

Can you overheat a solder joint?

CAUTION: Do not overheat the joint or direct the flame into the face of the fitting cup. Overheating could burn the flux, which will destroy its effectiveness and the solder will not enter the joint properly.

Can you melt old solder?

Prime your iron by putting a dab of new solder on the tip. With the solder on the tip put it on the old solder and it should liquify. Soldering onto any metal object larger than a solder tag can be tricky because the metal conducts the heat away. It sometimes helps to warm everything up a little before starting.

What is a bad solder joint?



A ‘Cold Joint’ is one where the solder did not melt completely. It is often characterized by a rough or lumpy surface. Cold joints are unreliable. The solder bond will be poor and the cracks may develop in the joint over time.

Why is my soldering not sticking?

This issue is usually caused by the soldering iron being set to an improper temperature, or the iron itself has a wattage that is too low for the solder size you are using. If you notice your solder isn’t sticking, check your solder material and compare it to the wattage of your soldering iron.

Why does my solder ball up?

Solder balling can be caused by poor process conditions with gassing from the flux during wave contact or excessive turbulence as the solder flows back into the bath which causes spitting. Solder balls can be ejected from the joint area during soldering due to excessive outgassing of the PCB.

Can flux be too old?



Flux cored solder wire has a limited shelf life determined by the alloy used in the wire. For alloys containing more than 70% lead, the shelf life is two years from date of manufacture. Other alloys have a shelf life of three years from date of manufacture.

What is the shelf life of solder?

Solder Preforms and Ribbon



Stored properly, performs can have a shelf life of up to five years. Since lead-containing alloys are more prone to oxidation, they should be used within six months of the manufacture date.

Can solder be bad?

In industries that involve the soldering of electronic components, exposure to solder fumes is inevitable. Solder fumes usually come from burned rosin-based flux materials that are invariably used to create electrical connections – causing hazards that can be detrimental to employee health.

How tell if you have bad solder?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But it's typically when you would find here's a coil here or. Cho. See the little circle starting up on that is the feature of a bad solder joint.

Why is soldering going to be illegal?



Legislative History. In 1986 Congress Amended the Safe Drinking Water Act, prohibiting the use of pipes, solder or flux that were not “lead free” in public water systems or plumbing in facilities providing water for human consumption.

Is soldering bad for lungs?

Soldering with lead (or other metals used in soldering) can produce dust and fumes that are hazardous. In addition, using flux containing rosin produces solder fumes that, if inhaled, can result in occupational asthma or worsen existing asthmatic conditions; as well as cause eye and upper respiratory tract irritation.

Should you wear a mask when soldering?

Once you breath glass dust in, like asbestos, it’s there forever. Protect your lungs – wear a dust mask. A soldering iron hot enough to melt lead is more then hot enough to burn through flesh. Always be careful when handling a hot iron.

What is the smoke when you solder?

The solder is a thin piece of metal containing tin, lead and a chemical called flux. The flux is the cause of the smoke that comes off when you melt a piece of solder on the soldering iron and prevents the wires from oxidising.