Liquid flux

Community PCB Design
1

Hi All,

This may not be the right forum for this question but I could not find a better one so here it goes. In your experience which is the best flux for hand soldering SMT parts?

Thanks in advance.

Sam

2

I use a flux pen for small parts and gel flux in a syringe for drag-soldering fine-pitch devices.

Leon

3

I use liquid flux in a bottle. The brush is overkill but after a little practice, I’ve gotten good at putting the right amount down.

By the way, skip the no-wash stuff. You should always clean it off your board.

4

Thanks for the tips. There is a bewildering array of flux chemicals out there. Any recommendations regarding brand/source etc.

Sam

5

I use Electrolube flux pens and gel flux from Warton Metals.

Leon

6

I strongly prefer my liquid flux to be in a bottle with a syringe tip. I think I’m using something like a 24 gauge needle on my flux bottle. I have some flux pens as well, but I seldom use them now that I have flux in a bottle.

I typically use Kester no-clean on boards that I don’t plan on washing, and kester organic on boards that I plan on washing.

Both are readily available in flux pens - but as far as I’ve found with Kester - you pretty much always have to buy a gallon of flux if you want it in a bottle.

7

I keep my flux in a nail polish bottle. Mine is flat which makes it easier to unscrew the cup with one hand.

As far as flux brand, I’m using “No clean rosin flux” from MG Chemicals. It works well.

8

The Warton Metals gel flux I mentioned comes in a syringe.

Leon

9

MG has a gel flux that only comes in a syringe as well. It looks really nice, but I don’t think I can justify multi times the cost over a regular liquid no clean flux.

I guess I’ll try it out someday when I have the money.