Remember these.? All our yesterdays

[Peter.N.]

Not heard of that one Mick.

Peter

[myglaren]

I've used black lead for the metal parts of fires/ranges.
Not recently though

[NewcastleFalcon]

I've used a tube of this stuff within the last 3 years. Doesn't mention the word "Lead" of course...good old wholesome Graphite...so why so many warnings on the tube!

https://www.stovax.com/accessories/black-grate-polish/

Neil

[Peter.N.]

Deadly stuff this lead, but solder isn't much good without it, I hope I have enough tin/lead stuff to last me. I spent 50 years or more breathing in lead solder fumes and still do occasionally, hasn't affected me though - or has it?

Peter

[Hell Razor5543]

Years ago a friend of mine was discussing (with somebody who was to do with health and safety) about the alternatives to lead in solder. The H&S guy told my friend that cadmium was genuinely being considered as an alternative.

The same friend was (a few years later) at a radio rally where a stall holder had several rolls of tin/lead solder for sale. My friend bought the lot. There was somebody at the rally from Trading Standards. They told my friend that tin/lead solder was going to be made illegal. He was told that it was not yet illegal, only for the busybody to ask why he needed so many rolls of solder, as one roll would normally last a year. He was told that my friend was a professional electronics designer, and went through a roll every month or so; now please go away as you are boring the cr4p out of me, so I need to use the toilet!

I do have a roll of proper (tin/lead) solder. I do so little soldering that it will last for a few years to come.

[Clogzz]

I spent 50 years or more breathing in lead solder fumes and still do occasionally, hasn't affected me though - or has it?

I’ve been soldering for over 40 years and like the incense smell of the flux fumes.

[CitroJim]

I spent 50 years or more breathing in lead solder fumes and still do occasionally, hasn't affected me though - or has it?

I’ve been soldering for over 40 years and like the incense smell of the flux fumes.

I've been soldering for a good 50 years now but over time I've become increasingly allergic to the flux fumes... They react badly enough with me now to cause a form of asthma. I only solder now when i really must and in very well ventilated places and mask up when doing so...

I worry about the effect the fumes have on me but against that, many airborne pollutants do much the same... I'm terrible around cigarette smoke, vape clouds, diesel fumes, non-cat petrol fumes and all perfumes...

Many organic solvents are an allergen, white spirit especially so... A significant exposure can leave me ill for days...

[myglaren]

Pain in the... neck isn't it. I am similar but not the same products, other than tobacco smoke.

[CitroJim]

Pain in the... neck isn't it. I am similar but not the same products, other than tobacco smoke.

It's getting so bad with me Steve, almost anything but pure air can set me off

[myglaren]

Have you consulted any medical people Jim? There may be something that will at least minimise it for you.

[Peter.N.]

Ersin multicore solder, remember that? Yes I like the smell too - don't think that's the lead though

Peter

[mickthemaverick]

Ersin multicore solder, remember that? Yes I like the smell too - don't think that's the lead though

Peter

Remember it? I still have an active roll in the toolbox!!

[CitroJim]

Ersin multicore solder, remember that? Yes I like the smell too - don't think that's the lead though

Peter

Remember it? I still have an active roll in the toolbox!!

Me too!

[bobins]

I still have my late father's roll of solder from when he was doing his National Service. At the rate I use it I don't think it'll ever be exhausted.

[Peter.N.]

Remember the soldering irons? we had a Primax quick heat gun with a very low resistance copper bit, easily replaceable if you burnt it out as over zealous use would. It had a multi plug on the lead which would fit any socket, the pins being sprung apart, you pushed the sides in until you got the right distance. Difficult when the square pin 13 plugs came out but you could jam a screwdriver in the earth socket.

There is a similar one now but not such a nice shape, this one fitted nicely into the hand, can't think of the name but I have no doubt that someone will

Peter

Weller that was the one.