I use Kester 186 flux and am happy with it,
but is there any better out there?
20W User
Flux
I use Kester 186 flux and am happy with it,
but is there any better out there?
Flux Capacitor User
According to a Macrepair dude, Amtech...
Naughty
Agreed, Amtech 559-UV is probably the best one out there... for lead-free stuff.Originally Posted by Stefan Payne
For 60/40 Pb stuff, I prefer ammonium nitrate in petroleum jelly - the manufacturer is of no concern in that case.
Careful what you wish for... You just might get it.
20W User
Amtech-559 seems to have a shelf life of just 1 year; then again Kester 186 has a shelf life of just 2 years.
The ammonia released is not annoying to the lungs or circuit board?
Last edited by ashiekh; 06-11-2019 at 11:21 AM.
micro ATX User
Do you own a fume extractor? If you solder on a constant basis (at least once a week) you should consider getting one.
20W User
Good point, for now I just use a fan to blow the fumes away; trouble is I'm usually so into a project that I simply forget.
Last edited by ashiekh; 06-13-2019 at 06:34 PM.
Naughty
The short shelf life is not a problem if you don't buy tons of the stuff that you won't make use of in time.
As for the fumes... I kinda like the smell, whatever it actually is. It's definitely not (just) ammonia, as that's offensive to me even in small quantities; and I always clean off excess flux straight away, as soon as everything cools off, with a combo of isopropyl- and ethanol-dipped non-fleecing cotton pads.
Careful what you wish for... You just might get it.
20W User
Kester 186 is pleasant smelling although I am not sure it is great for the lungs; I have just over 1 fluid ounce, and it seems to be lasting even at room temperature. It cleans off quite easily with isopropyl alcohol; some people leave the flux on, but I prefer a clean board.
For tough jobs I use low melting point alloy to help remove the component, copper braid to clean up the pads, and leaded solder for the replacement; with flux added throughout.
Last edited by ashiekh; 06-14-2019 at 02:39 PM.
ssssssmokin'
I prefer the flux used in a flux capacitor.
20W User
But the cost! the cost... prohibitive.
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