Desoldering flux

[mashaffer]

Gack! My desoldering braid is not working. I suspect I need flux but with the demise of Rat Shack (tm) local acquisition of electronics supplies is almost impossible.

Would this be OK to use? It is intended for plumbing primarily but claims to be acid free.

https://m.lowes.com/pd/RectorSeal-1-7-fl-oz-Nokorode-Soldering-Flux/1000092789

 

[awillia6]

Gack! My desoldering braid is not working. I suspect I need flux but with the demise of Rat Shack (tm) local acquisition of electronics supplies is almost impossible.

See Louis Rossmann's YouTube channel for flux. He lives and dies by it working on micro-SMD Apple products.

 

[Blue Shadow]

I would not use that plumbing solder flux. It contains zinc chloride and aluminum chloride and I don't want chlorides in my electronics.

 

[NAD80]

Too acidic for electronics, could eat the PCB traces. Look for liquid flux. Are you using leaded or lead free solder?

 

[petehall347]

iron hot enough ? i could never get on with braid until i found it needs plenty of heat to work .

 

[NAD80]

Only used it when desoldering Triac tabs from PCB connections.

This style triac only way to remove from AC controller was braid.

 

[ChrisMarantz]

There are sellers on eBay who sell small quantities of Kester Flux for reasonable prices. - Chris

 

[gort69]

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/590-8341-10ML

 

[mashaffer]

Too acidic for electronics, could eat the PCB traces. Look for liquid flux. Are you using leaded or lead free solder?

The manufacturer's claim of acid free is incorrect then?

Oh, and I am using lead-tin and I am sure that the 60s vintage gear I am desoldering is also the same.

 

[mashaffer]

I would not use that plumbing solder flux. It contains zinc chloride and aluminum chloride and I don't want chlorides in my electronics.

Chlorides would be corrosive I presume like road salt?

 

[mashaffer]

iron hot enough ? i could never get on with braid until i found it needs plenty of heat to work .

I thought it was hot enough (33W iron IIRC). I could try a new tip.

 

[mashaffer]

I know I can get electronics grade rosin flux online but I was hoping to find something I could grab locally. Impatience and all that.

 

[mashaffer]

I wonder if the rosin for sports or violin bows is pur pine rosin. I can get that locally and make my own. Hmmm...

 

[OMGCat!]

Try adding some fresh solder to the joint and then desolder. That usually helps it flow much better.

 

[fernarias]

Fry's would have what you need and there's one in north east Indianapolis. You should also look for places in your area that mostly sell to trades as they will have what you need (the welding shop where I live carries solder and rosin for electronics).