[rlpb]

Just because it works for you doesn't mean it's fine for everyone, and assuming this without research is...brave?

Leaded solder reduces the risk of tin whisker growth which can over time cause shorts - catastrophic in any safety critical equipment.

https://nepp.nasa.gov/WHISKER/background/index.htm

[grozzle]

am well aware that leaded solder still has some niche applications, but the comment i replied to called lead-free a "clusterfuck" without any regard for the huge public health benefits.

i hope you agree it's good that e-waste isn't toxic.

[phendrenad2]

E-waste is still toxic, now you have to ask yourself if increasing e-waste due to poorly-performing circuits and electromigration (look it up) is worth making some parts of it less toxic. I don't have the answer, but you don't either.

[com2kid]

Lead free solder was responsible for the Xbox 360 red ring of death.

Millions of units of e-waste.

Hardly a niche problem.

More recent studies have shown that all lead free solders will eventually develop tin whispers and fail.

For devices with a 2 or 3 year lifespan (e.g. cellphones), sure, fine, whatever.

For electronics that should last a long time, e.g. washing machines, dishwashers, thermostats, ovens, microwaves, lead free ensures e-waste.