https://blog.model-train-help.com/2013/10/why-does-the-finished-solder-joint-appear-dull-and-grainy.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-does-the-finished-solder-joint-appear-dull-and-grainy Model railroads and model trains Wed, 16 Oct 2013 10:18:29 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://blog.model-train-help.com/2013/10/why-does-the-finished-solder-joint-appear-dull-and-grainy.html#comment-4599 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 10:18:29 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=2810#comment-4599 This can also happen if you use ‘lead-free’ solder, which needs a much higher temperature before it will flow, and always gives a poor joint.
Another reason could be a lack of flux, which is the substance that helps the solder to flow, and forms the ‘cores’ in multicore solder.
Mixing leaded and lead-free solder doesn’t work, either, so if you are repairing a previously soldered joint, you need to know what kind of solder was used originally.

]]> https://blog.model-train-help.com/2013/10/why-does-the-finished-solder-joint-appear-dull-and-grainy.html#comment-4598 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 07:35:19 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=2810#comment-4598 This will also happen if you try to solder brass items with a high melting point solder. I use 145 degree Celsius solder and it works bust great.

]]> https://blog.model-train-help.com/2013/10/why-does-the-finished-solder-joint-appear-dull-and-grainy.html#comment-4582 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 01:04:18 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=2810#comment-4582 These grainy, fragile “cold” solder joints can also happen if both items being soldered are not free of grease and oils. Flux should to a good cleaning job.

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