Flux

[billstein]

Got a question about flux. Who doesn't right?

With the pre-fabbed boards from Madbean, do you use flux? If so, what kind?

Also, I do have a no clean flux pen that is close to 9 years old. Any chance it's still good?

Thanks for all your help

[pickdropper]

Got a question about flux. Who doesn't right?

With the pre-fabbed boards from Madbean, do you use flux? If so, what kind?

Also, I do have a no clean flux pen that is close to 9 years old. Any chance it's still good?

Thanks for all your help

For through-hole stuff, I usually only use flux if I am reworking a board.

I would throw-out the 9 year old pen as it is most likely no good.  Plus, I generally am not a huge fan of no clean flux.  It helps, but not as much as other types.  I prefer mildly activated flux, but you may want to wash the board if you use a lot of it.

When washing boards, be careful if there are any sockets there.  Flux can get inside of the pins and mess things up. 

[gtr2]

I only use flux when i use desoldering braid.

[billstein]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I just read an article that says flux has tin in it. Would tinning the board do basically the same thing as flux would do?

[pedalman]

flux is tree sap, not tin

[TNblueshawk]

I've seen a few flux questions over the past few years but I have never needed it. Once you get the rosin core solder I just don't see why anyone would need it for pedal building...or amp building either.

[pickdropper]

I've seen a few flux questions over the past few years but I have never needed it. Once you get the rosin core solder I just don't see why anyone would need it for pedal building...or amp building either.

The rosin core makes it unnecessary for most through-hole stuff, but much of it burns away during the initial soldering process, so it can be useful to add a but of flux if you have to rework (or even just reflow) as it will often yield better looking joints.

For SMT, you need it because the soldering method is different (it isn't fed from the spool like through-hole).  Without it, the solder joints can get a bit ugly, or even cold.

[ChrisM]

I find flux is needed on certain amp parts.

Fuse holders, back of pots (though I don't use this grounding scheme), certain ceramic socket pins, etc.

[pedalman]

i got a can on the bench for tricky or stuborn solder joints
messy mut usefull