Fing Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 I just bought a 1lb reel of Kester 245 solder online and the date of manufacture is 11/30/04. The website says that their leaded solder 'goes off' after 3 years. Given this is almost 6 years old, should I return it or not worry about it and just use it? Slightly reluctant to return it as Kester is not so easy to get locally here in the UK and I wanted to buy a decent/premium product for my first forays into serious (non-disastrous) soldering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pars Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 I'm using a roll of Kester 44 that I got from work over 20 years ago. Works fine. I know Kester has an expiration date, but I wouldn't worry about it. One more way of selling more solder IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvdunhill Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 the only thing I've noticed with solder is it can get very dirty. I'm not sure if this is dirt, or some chemical reaction or what. This presents problems when soldering as the flux tries to eat this away and the joints end up rather crusty. You'll notice this when it happens though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin gilmore Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 Some of the solders i use are older than i am. Never had a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MASantos Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 Everybody knows that NOS solder is better!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Erik Posted September 18, 2010 Report Share Posted September 18, 2010 I've picked up solder older than I am at the W6TRW meet. Never had any trouble with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fing Posted September 18, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2010 Thank you very much for the replies and endorsements! Guess I'll just use it and not worry about it ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spritzer Posted September 18, 2010 Report Share Posted September 18, 2010 Guess I'll just use it and not worry about it ) So true of so many things... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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