What is the difference between hard solder and soft solder?

Hard solder, also known as brazing, and soft solder are distinguished primarily by their melting points. Hard solder typically has a much higher melting point, often exceeding 450°C (about 842°F), which is necessary for applications requiring strong joints that can withstand significant stress and higher temperatures. This makes it suitable for metal joining in applications like plumbing, HVAC systems, and other high-strength requirements.

Soft solder, on the other hand, has a lower melting point, usually below 450°C. It is typically made from a mixture of tin and lead, though lead-free options are widely used today. The lower melting point of soft solder allows it to be used easily in electronics and plumbing, where heat-sensitive components might be present.

Therefore, understanding the melting point is crucial for selecting the appropriate solder type for a given application, making it the key difference between hard solder and soft solder.