Soldering

rosin core solder is used for electronics.
acid core is used for non electrical applications.
plumbers solder is 50/50 solder, 50%lead 50%tin and is used with a acid flux.
95/5 is used for drinking water joints, 95%tin 5%antimony also used with a water base acid flux.

I use 50/50 solder with the acid flux for battery cables and a propane torch then I rinse the cable with baking soda to remove the acid. Works very well. I also coat the cables with permatex battery sealer and that stops the corrision.

T_Bone

How do you get the acid flux out of the insulated wire that you just soldered the terminal to? I have had to fix many repairs done with the method you suggest.

For electrical terminals and cables, you would be much better off using a high quality rosin core solder for electrical and electronic applications. The rosin flux is nowhere near as caustic as the acid flux types.

Using the baking soda neutralizes the acid and I've never had a problem. If one didn't use the baking soda then yes I agree with you.

T_Bone

I was also watching a home TV show couple weeks ago and learned that using the old acid base flux causes a pool of solder and acid to sit on the inside of the joint and when the water runs over the joint, the joint weakens and will eat thru the CU pipe but using a water base acid will wash away and won't cause joint problems. They showed a cut away and convienced me to change my ways. LOL

T_Bone