For decades solder has been my go-to material for hoses, hydraulic lines and such: it’s easy to shape and and use…and doesn’t ‘fight’ to return to its original shape. And it used to be available in lots of different thicknesses…back in the era of Radio Shack and neighborhood do-it-yourself electronic stores.
Looking recently to replace my dwindling stocks, I found that variety of sizes doesn’t seem to hold up any more. Even looking at places like jeweler’s suppliers and specialist sites, there seem to be only a few sizes generally available. ‘Special’ sizes can be found…but often only in huge industrial quantities and/or at an exorbitant price.
Trying to think ‘outside the box’ for alternatives, it occured to me to look at fishing supplies…and I found this:
It’s a pre-packed assortment of soft lead wire used for fly-tying…which happens to be an equally-convenient assortment of sizes for detailing lines and hoses. Generous quantities of six sizes for about $15.00…which is what some of the ‘special’ solders ask for a single similar-sized spool. Manufacturer is Wapsi; mine came from FishUSA (where I periodically order hobby-useful things like tweezers and pliers), though I’m sure it’s available all over.
Thought it might prove useful if somebody’s searching for convenient sources for such materials. The usual cautions about using products containing lead apply: wash your hands…and don’t eat it.[proplr]
Good score but be careful, it says it could cause cancer if you live in California. I’ve never heard of lead causing cancer, especially at the levels that are in solder or wire. I could be wrong though.
Craft stores such as HL and Michaels sell a variety of bare wire sizes- some very small, in their beading department.
I used to use magnet wire from electronic suppliers, but the demise of such suppliers that cater to hobbyists dried up that supply. Those craft stores are a great replacement.
I get monthly flyers from a few HVAC wholesalers I buy from. I am now seeing that warning on nearly every product offered. I’m not going to get into the added costs to 49 other states to add this to every flyer or the probably cancer causing ink it consumes. Also be careful because wood dust also causes cancer there so you will see these warnings on furniture as well.