Soldering Wire

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Showing all 2 resultsSorted by price: high to low

Showing all 2 resultsSorted by price: high to low

Solder wire is the consumable that actually makes the joint, and the two things that matter most are the alloy (leaded or lead-free) and the diameter. We stock genuine YIHUA solder wire in UK stock: a 63/37 leaded reel for the easiest, cleanest joints, and a lead-free Sn99.3/Cu0.7 reel for RoHS work, both 100g at £9.90. Here is how to choose.

Leaded (63/37) vs lead-free (Sn99.3/Cu0.7): which should you buy?

63/37 tin-lead is the easiest solder to use. It is eutectic, meaning it melts and freezes at a single low temperature (183C) with no pasty in-between stage, so joints set instantly and look shiny. It is the best choice for hobby electronics, learning, and rework, see the YIHUA 63/37 Eutectic Solder Wire 100g.

Lead-free Sn99.3/Cu0.7 is what you need for any product that must meet RoHS, and for anyone who prefers to avoid lead. It melts hotter (around 227C) and wets a little less freely, so it asks for a few more degrees on the iron and a touch more patience, see the YIHUA Lead-Free Solder Wire 100g, available in 0.8mm and 1mm.

In short: 63/37 leaded for the easiest hands-on soldering, lead-free for compliance. There is a fuller comparison in our leaded vs lead-free solder guide.

Which diameter (gauge)?

Thinner wire feeds less solder per second, which gives you more control on small joints; thicker wire is faster on big ones.

  • 0.5 to 0.7mm: fine SMD, small pads, and delicate work.
  • 0.8mm: the best all-round choice for general electronics. If you buy one reel, make it this.
  • 1.0mm and up: through-hole, larger joints, wires and connectors where you want to lay solder down quickly.

Our lead-free reel comes in both 0.8mm and 1mm so you can match it to the job.

Flux and rosin core

Good electronics solder is not solid metal, it has flux running through the centre (rosin core). The flux cleans the metal as it heats so the solder can wet and flow. That is why you should never sand or scrape a joint to “help” it, just let the cored flux do the work. For stubborn or oxidised joints, add extra flux from our Soldering Supplies and Spares range.

Note: do not use acid-core or plumbing solder on electronics, it corrodes tracks. Everything we list here is rosin-core electronics solder.

Getting clean joints

A good joint needs the right wire, a clean tinned tip, and enough heat. If your solder balls up instead of flowing, the tip is usually too cool or dirty rather than the solder being at fault, see how to clean soldering iron tips. Pair the right wire with the right tip from our Soldering Iron Tips range, and a station with enough power, see how to choose a soldering station.

Soldering wire FAQ

Should a beginner use leaded or lead-free solder?

For learning and hobby electronics, 63/37 leaded is far more forgiving, it melts lower, flows better and sets instantly. Just wash your hands after use and solder in a ventilated space. Choose lead-free only if you need RoHS compliance.

What diameter solder wire should I use?

0.8mm is the best all-rounder for general electronics. Drop to 0.5 to 0.7mm for fine SMD, go to 1mm for through-hole and larger joints.

Is leaded solder legal in the UK?

Yes for hobby, repair and personal use. Lead-free is required for commercial products sold under RoHS. We stock both so you can pick the right one.

What is 63/37 solder?

A eutectic alloy of 63% tin and 37% lead that melts and solidifies at one temperature (183C) with no pasty phase, giving clean, shiny joints, the classic electronics solder.

Do I need separate flux?

Usually no, our wire is rosin-cored, so flux is built in. A flux pen helps for rework, oxidised pads or drag-soldering, available in Soldering Supplies and Spares.

Related

Soldering Iron Tips  ·
Soldering Supplies & Spares  ·
Leaded vs Lead-Free Solder  ·
Best Soldering Stations UK 2026