Is their a difference between Kester and MGchemicals?

[unluckygamer]

I am looking to buy a small pack of solder. I am looking for a 63/37 0.031" diameter solder. My two options right now is kester and mgchemicals with MGChemicals being a bit cheaper.

I am wondering if their is any big difference.

[Nusa]

Assuming you pick solders with similar specifications, I expect you'll get similar results. Both companies have a good reputation for quality.

[james_s]

Just make sure whatever you get is the real deal and not counterfeit product from China, I wouldn't worry about the brand, the result should be almost identical.

[drussell]

Is their a difference between Kester and MGchemicals?
...
I am wondering if their is any big difference.

Sure...  One says Kester and one says MG Chemicals on the label. 

From a usability-for-soldering standpoint, no, not really.  Both are good solder.  So is Multicore brand but I don't see it in the local retail stores as often lately. 

My last couple 1lb spools of Multicore that I use for general purpose are getting low so I will be needing to restock soon but the last time I had to replenish my stash, 1lb spools were still $9.99-14.99 (retail!)...  It's going to be an eye-popping expense this time, even wholesale.  With the prices these days, I really wish I had bought caseloads back then. 

[james_s]

Yeah no kidding, I've just about used up the 1lb spool I bought ages ago, must have been over a decade. I haven't looked at prices lately but I know it's going to be a shock.

[Bud]

I used both and to me Kester is noticably better. I cant find Kester here beside on auction web sites so appears MG dominates in Canada. I would take Kester any time over MG, both wire solder and SMT paste. MG is not bad but Kester is the best.

[drussell]

I used both and to me Kester is noticably better.

I think a lot of it comes down to personal preference and what you're used to.

I cant find Kester here beside on auction web sites so appears MG dominates in Canada.

Digi-Key stocks MG, Kester and Multicore.

[Bud]

[quote author=drussell link=topic=121859.msg1666520#msg1666520 date= general purpose are getting low so I will be needing to restock soon but the last time I had to replenish my stash, 1lb spools were still $9.99-14.99 (retail!)...  It's going to be an eye-popping expense this time, even wholesale.  With the prices these days, I really wish I had bought caseloads back then. 
[/quote]

Keep checking Kijiji, you can get a big spool from electric supplies surpus sales, but even there if you calculate price per Lbs it is not much cheaper than retail.

[GigaJoe]

have kester, aim alloy, Mg chem., all of then 63
equally all the same .... but kester somehow produce the most shiny surface.

and flux ... some I saw acid based, some no clean, some rosin, some organic thingi
   

[james_s]

The flux is probably the biggest difference from brand to brand, I would think that by now metallurgy is advanced enough that it is not difficult to get a reasonably pure and consistent mix of tin and lead.

[David Hess]

For other chemicals like fluxes, thinners, and cleaners, the big difference I have found between Kester and MG Chemicals is that Kester is not available in small quantities anymore.  I used to be able to buy 4 ounce bottles of Kester products but not anymore.

As far as the solder, make sure to wipe down the outside to remove contamination and oxides as you use it.

[james_s]

As far as the solder, make sure to wipe down the outside to remove contamination and oxides as you use it.

Hmm I've never done that, I'll have to give it a try and see if it results in nicer joints.

[David Hess]

As far as the solder, make sure to wipe down the outside to remove contamination and oxides as you use it.

Hmm I've never done that, I'll have to give it a try and see if it results in nicer joints.

It is usually not that big a deal but there is a reason they recommend using fresh solder for production.  Using fully activated rosin flux helps with old solder also.