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Use flux with desoldering braid for best results

Started by EBRAddict, May 24, 2017, 02:30:34 AM

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EBRAddict

It seems so obvious I'm almost ashamed to admit I just learned about this watching YouTube (I think bigclivedotcom)

somnif

Yeah, the wick I use supposedly has dry flux in it (and it certainly leaves enough brown goop behind for me to believe it), but I've found it works a whole lot better with a couple drops of liquid flux at the end.

Messy results, but better than trying to drill out the pad I suppose.

thesmokingman

in case you want one more pro tip, add fresh solder to the mix too
once upon a time I was Tornado Alley FX

davent

I have a tiny tub of paste flux i'll dip the braid into if need be.

dave
"If you always do what you always did- you always get what you always got." - Unknown

If my photos are missing again... they're hosted by photobucket... and as of 06/2017 being held hostage... to be continued?

pickdropper

Quote from: thesmokingman on May 24, 2017, 05:06:54 AM
in case you want one more pro tip, add fresh solder to the mix too

Adding solder actually makes more of a difference, IMHO, but both help.

Function f(x)
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wgc

Agree, counterintuitive but adding fresh solder makes a big difference. It helps distribute the heat and starts the capillary action that the braid relies on to pull out the old solder. 

Much like tinning your tip.  This is also true of solder suckers guns with the vacuum pumps (not the $10 cock and release pumps with silicone tips).

Some brands of braid benefit from more flux moreso than others. Certainly doesn't hurt.

And if you do have one of those fancy solder sucker guns, add solder but don't add flux!
always the beautiful answer who asks a more beautiful question.
e.e. cummings

WormBoy

Hmm, good tip, I will try flux and tinning the braid next time ...

gtr2

I always add some fresh solder to the joint, not the tip.
The desoldering braid makes the biggest difference of all IMO.
I use Techspray Pro Wick.

Josh
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