Testing for lead in solder

[FireKitty]

Hey folks.

Am trying to test the solder in my (2ndhand) homemade reflux still for lead. Boyfriend gave me a lead test designated for testing paint for walls, and unfortunately I'm come away with inconclusive results - but some VERY badly (and probably permanently) stained metal and copper on my column :doh:

Would anyone know of a more specific test I could use that would also be cheap?

The guy at my local HBS said that if it DID have lead in it, I could simply find a plumber etc who could melt all the existing solder off and replace it with proper stainless solder - is this true, and how much do you reckon it might set me back?

Cheers :)

[Kimbo]

Hi FireKitty,
try this one

[FireKitty]

Thanks mate :)

The bf has just delightfully informed me that my reflux was probably welded, not soldered... Is this still a worry, and how can I tell anyhow? Solder would just be soft yea?

[Yummyrum]

Any chance of a photo. We might be able to recognize it or at least advise based on that metals its made of

[Kimbo]

If it has been welded(braised) then your safe.
And not all solder contains lead. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Andy]

Any chance of a photo. We might be able to recognize it or at least advise based on that metals its made of

this the photo is here
viewtopic.php?t=4765 (just a guess)

[FireKitty]

I'll try and get a close-up once I've cleaned it properly, I'm afraid the metal tests that I did on all the metal turned it from a silver to tarnished colour, might have to go at it with a metal brush to clean the joins as brasso seems to have only cleaned up the copper :-(

[FireKitty]

Here's a pic of some of the (dirty) joints - are usually more 'silver' in appearance.

[Kimbo]

Yeah, its not looking too promising, I would definitely test it for my own peace of mind ;-)

[JayD]

it does not look to good at all, I think it would be wise to sweat it all apart clean it off as best you can and re solder it back together using aquasafe lead free solder.

[MacStill]

A good test is to see how easily the solder will scratch with a nail or screwdriver, if it's pretty soft it's more than likely lead solder.

Even soft silver solder is reasonably hard to gouge out with a screwdriver, it's not an accurate test but will give you an indication of what it really is.

[FireKitty]

when I tried to do paint test I initially used a blade to try and scrape off some samples, was near impossible - will go to Bunnings shortly to get a swab test and see what happens...

[Kimbo]

How did it turn out FireKitty?

[FireKitty]

Great news! Tried the test from Bunnings and it's negative, no lead! :dance:
Having said that, am still planning an upgrade down the track... Something less ancient ;)

[MacStill]

Great news! Tried the test from Bunnings and it's negative, no lead! :dance:
Having said that, am still planning an upgrade down the track... Something less ancient ;)

That is good news FK, and I hope this thread alerts the new guys n gals on here to the risks posed by buying second hand gear from unknown sources and other dodgy stills off ebay :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Thanks for keeping us informed :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Kimbo]

Great news FireKitty :clap: :clap: :clap:
good to hear :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Yummyrum]

Good news FK .

If its not to much bother, for the sake of completing this ,would it be possible for you to try the same test on a sample of 50/50 plumbers or 60/40 electrical solder that does contain lead and post the test results .Preferably with side by side pictures of the lead sample and the non lead sample .

It would help others that may use these lead test kits to get an idea of what shows up in the results .

[FireKitty]

Good news FK .

If its not to much bother, for the sake of completing this ,would it be possible for you to try the same test on a sample of 50/50 plumbers or 60/40 electrical solder that does contain lead and post the test results .Preferably with side by side pictures of the lead sample and the non lead sample .

It would help others that may use these lead test kits to get an idea of what shows up in the results .

Sorry mate don't have said solder on hand :-(
Will crawl Web when I get home and see what I can find that'll help :-)

[Sam.]

Good news FK .

If its not to much bother, for the sake of completing this ,would it be possible for you to try the same test on a sample of 50/50 plumbers or 60/40 electrical solder that does contain lead and post the test results .Preferably with side by side pictures of the lead sample and the non lead sample .

It would help others that may use these lead test kits to get an idea of what shows up in the results .

Sorry mate don't have said solder on hand :-(
Will crawl Web when I get home and see what I can find that'll help :-)

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

You could go to bunnings etc and rub it on a stick of the plumbers lead solder it's not wrapped, it's just a big fat stick :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[Kimbo]

Good news FK .

If its not to much bother, for the sake of completing this ,would it be possible for you to try the same test on a sample of 50/50 plumbers or 60/40 electrical solder that does contain lead and post the test results .Preferably with side by side pictures of the lead sample and the non lead sample .

It would help others that may use these lead test kits to get an idea of what shows up in the results .

Sorry mate don't have said solder on hand :-(
Will crawl Web when I get home and see what I can find that'll help :-)

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

You could go to bunnings etc and rub it on a stick of the plumbers lead solder it's not wrapped, it's just a big fat stick :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Good advice Sam :laughing-rolling:
"Security ,Security , isle 23 , plumbing and accessories,..... "



BTW FK ,no biggy if its too hard but a little card of solder is pretty cheap ....