Solder and solder paste, the focused range for retro modders and electronics builders at ZedLabz.
Browse solder by type
- All soldering supplies
- Solder flux, gel and paste
- Soldering tools, irons and accessories
- Stands and aids
- All modding tools
Solder choice depends on the job. Solder choice is a personal preference for hobby modding, flows easily, forgiving on hand-soldering joints, well-suited to through-hole and broader surface-mount. Some commercial repair work has solder type requirements; this is increasingly common in modder kits. Solder paste covers SMD reflow projects. ZedLabz stocks the common modder-community options across formats.
Quick picks by project
- If it's your first solder reel: A thin solder (typically 0.5–0.8 mm) is forgiving on hand-soldering and easy to learn with.
- The everyday kit: a solder reel plus a no-clean flux and a smaller alternative reel for any occasional commercial-grade repair work. See flux.
- The pro kit: multiple solder gauges (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 mm), plus solder paste for any SMD reflow work and a no-clean flux range.
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Solder. FAQs
What solder works for retro mods?
For hobby modding, Solder is widely available, flows at lower temperatures, joins are easier to inspect, more forgiving on hand-soldering. Higher-temperature solder formulations need more careful flux selection but is mandatory for some commercial repair work. Use what suits the job and your local rules.
What solder thickness should I buy?
Most modder hand-soldering work is done with 0.5–0.8 mm solder, fine enough for surface-mount IPS pads, robust enough for through-hole capacitor and connector work. Thicker (1.0 mm+) is for larger battery and connector joins. Many modders keep two reels: a thin and a thicker.
Is solder paste the same as solder?
No. Solder paste is a thicker, putty-like mix of solder powder and flux, designed for stencil-based surface-mount reflow work. Hand-soldering uses solid solder wire from a reel. Most retro-mod hand work uses wire; solder paste is occasional for SMD reflow projects.
Does solder go off?
Solid solder wire stays usable for a long time, years, often decades, when stored dry. The flux core can degrade slowly; old solder may need a separate flux pen alongside. Solder paste has a shorter shelf life, typically refrigerated, and degrades faster.
