Warning: That cheap solder you bought on Amazon is ruining your builds

I finally figured out why my last 3 fuzz pedals had this weird crackle that wouldn't go away after weeks of troubleshooting. Turns out that $5 roll of solder from a no-name brand has a garbage flux core that doesn't flow right and leaves residue that causes intermittent shorts. I switched to a proper Kester 63/37 blend last month and my joints are cleaner, shinier, and actually hold up to testing on the meter. Anyone else had a build saved just by swapping out their solder brand?

2 comments

2 Comments

anthony4263d ago

Hang on, $5 for a whole roll? That's wild, I paid like 12 bucks for my first cheap spool and thought I was getting a deal. I never realized the flux was the problem, I just blamed my shaky hands and bad technique for years. Switched to Kester 63/37 last year after a buddy at the shop forced me to try his roll, and yeah, night and day difference on my fuzz builds.

fiona7371d ago

It's funny how we all just blame ourselves first when something doesn't work right, like we're programmed to assume it's OUR fault instead of the tool or the material. SAME thing happens with cheap guitar strings or bad solder joints - you waste years thinking you suck before someone shows you the gear was the problem all along.