I've been learning to do SMD soldering, and all the videos I've seen have a tool being used to apply the flux, and I couldn't figure out what the tool was. Finally, you've revealed the secret - it's a cable tie! 🤣
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated . The cable tie has been revealed, seriously it works really well . Thanks again , take care 👍
When hand soldering, flux is your best friend! When desoldering using a braid, I apply flux via a flux pen to the braid before starting. It really improves the capillary action of the braid
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I agree , I go on about flux all the time in my videos , it is essential when hand soldering . In this video I mention adding it to the braid as this can really help at times , the only difference is I use a cable Ty to apply all of my flux and not a flux pen ( not a big fan of these ). Thanks again 👍
Extremely informative and useful video, thanks! Unfortunately, the SMFL200D ( nor its smaller pen version SMF12P) flux is no longer in production., accordingly to Farnell and other dealers. What alternative could you recommend, please?
I'm just about to both do my first surface mount soldering and design my first pcb. i had discovered the 1 inch on each side braid trick on my own but sliding the braid and using flux made it go so much easier. thanks for the tips!
Hi , thank you for supporting my channel , very kind of you . I hope you get on ok with all of your soldering projects , hopefully my videos can help you a little along the way . Thanks again , take care 👍
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , much appreciated . I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful , that's great to hear . Thanks again for your support , take care 👍
Quicker/easier way to clear a through hole is to use a wooden toothpick; preferably bamboo. I can clear a dozen or so holes enough to get wires/pins in using just one toothpick. Simply liquefy the blockage, push the toothpick all the way through the hole, then remove the iron to let it cool, pull out the toothpick when the solder is solid. The wood is "solder phobic" so the solder won't stick to it. It is also heat resistant enough that it will survive long enough for the solder to solidify. Of course, use flux for a clean job, applying some to the toothpick really helps.
About a year later and here I am watching this video again. :) Love how the fluxed braid sucks up all the solder so much better. The difference is ridiculous.
Quality content, clear & straight forward, satisfying content to watch, I'm always saving these videos to my playlist & is valuable information to a would be tech & electricians. Always fascinates me on how circuitry works, but you need time, patience & experience to do it. I have a high pile of scrap electronics to work with, but I go by, if you cannot do it properly, then don't do it at all, & don't start until you have all the necessary equipment & setup.
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , your support is very much appreciated . I like your comment and what you are doing , keep it up . Thanks again , take care 👍
A thought: you might make a video that focuses on adapting soldering techniques when using lead-free solder after years (decades) of leaded solder. Not sure if that's enough to make a whole video from, but I'll bet it's a popular topic. And thanks for the flux video, mate
Thank you. I really like your technique. Do you have an update on what flux you use? I've checked and everyplace I've found a listing for Electrolube SMFL200D is marked discontinued. It's possible someplace has leftover stock, but not that I have found.
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad you found the videos useful and they could help you progress with your soldering . I found if you do the easy stuff with lots of care you can progress on to the harder stuff with a lot more confidence and ability , making it more achievable. Good luck with your projects and thanks again for your support of my channel 👍
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting . I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful . Good luck with all your soldering projects and thanks again 👍
Thank you so much so for the master classes in methods for soldering and de-soldering. I currently use LaCo paste which is OK but it can be a bit messy, and I could do with something that behaves a bit more like your choice. Unfortunately both the SMFL and the RS Pro alternative have have been permanently discontinued (According to RS) so I am hoping you will return to this subject at some point.
Hi , thank you for your comment. You are right the SMFL200D and RS alternative are no longer available which is annoying as I loved the SMFL and had been using it for many years. I am still looking for a decent alternative and have a couple to try out at the moment . When I find one I like I will post about it on TH-cam. Thanks again , take care 👍
The flux you recommend is awsome. Used it to successfully solder some massive QFP parts, which I struggled with before. I bought some a few months ago after watching one of your videos and its fantastic. I use a milk bottle top to hold it prior to applying it with a small brush, but I think I'll give it a go with a syringe. Not sure if it'll dry out, but it could be worth a go.
Hi , thank you , I'm glad it worked for you , but I agree it is a great flux . I've just posted this same video again as I've now got better editing equipment which gives the videos much better clarity and sharpness . So if anyone's wondering why I'm reloading my old postings it's only to show them in better detail . I will keep posting new videos when I can , as I've still got lots to show and hopefully people will keep enjoying them. Thanks again for your comment and good luck with any soldering projects 👍
Hi , thank you for your comment, maybe if it is still about some lucky people may be able to find some . All I've found is a couple of companies who have it but you have to order at least 12 so not really viable. If anyone has any luck please post on here . Thanks again , take care 👍
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad you found the video's of use . Good luck with all your soldering projects and thanks again for your support 👍
Hi , thank you for your support of my channel , very much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy the videos . I've tried to improve the quality as I've gone along , I know my early ones are nowhere near as clear and sound as good as the later ones but I was learning then , hopefully people can see the difference now . Thanks again , I will post more when I can , take care 👍
Thankyou for taking the time to put on really great videos and just as importantly great commentary's that explain the process. Even tho I haven't done some of the procedures that you show I feel I could because of your top vids and instructions.
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated . I'm glad you enjoy the videos , hopefully they can help a few people out with their soldering / desoldering issues . Thanks again , take care 👍
Question ... I am in the USA ... I am looking at Digi-Key. I don't see this type of flux. Can you recommend on I can get here (I don't see the one you recommended available on this side of the pond). Also ... absolutely awesome videos !!!!!!!! I have never touched anything surface mounted. I am trying to repair the instrument cluster on a 2009 car. I hand enough knowledge figure out it was the cluster itself .... now I need to repair it. I think it is the power supply on the board (works for about 10 min then goes blank .. unplug it ... let it set for a while ... plug it in, it works again). I was going to throw it away but then I started watching your videos ... think I will take a shot at repairing it. Thanks again!
Great video, thank you mate! I've never really known how and when to use flux and this is going to really level up my soldering game. The closeup macro shots are excellent and very helpful, what camera did you use?
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad the video has been of use to you . The camera is simply a macro lens attached to a mobile phone , nothing special really but gives you good results . Thanks again , take care ,👍
Dear Mr SolderFix, I couldn't find the Electrolube SMFL200D flux you recommended anywhere, the only trace of this product I found at Farnell but it says "Out of Production". Gtek dry wipes aren't so easy to find either, I'm not sure if Grove Sales ships outside the UK. Alternatively, do you have other products to recommend? As a test I bought a flux called Topnik-LP1 produced in Poland, I haven't had the chance to try it yet, I know for sure that it smells terrible 😂
It seams so easy use solder but it isn't. Last time that I trying to change a component, I have had a big damage with a broken pad. I continue to follow your lessons for understanding better how to use iron
Hi , thank you for your support , much appreciated. Hopefully you can learn from the video's , then it makes it worthwhile for both of us . Good luck with all your soldering projects 👍
Lepa i kvalitetna objasnjenja i resenja . Mozda pomenuti uredjaj i samu temperaturu na vrhu lemne stanice....Pretpostavljam da je Hakko ili Metcal??? Pozdrav.
I actually try to spread the fibers of the braid just a bit. Push backwards against the braid, add some flux, and see how much better it works. This increases the capillary action.
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated . I guess I just practiced a lot over the years and learnt what tools , solders , cleaning products etc were the best . My 3 biggest tips are different thickness solders especially 0.25mm for any fine pitch soldering , a decent iron with a fine conical tip and flux . I remember seeing a very famous TH-cam solderer doing a video calling for everyone to bin their conical tips . Please don't listen to that advice . Thanks again , take care 👍
What ‘cloth’ do you use to clean the flux residue? I’m assuming you use ipa as well? Good to see another vid. Seems ages since I saw one from you. Keep up the good work.
Hi , thank you for your comment , much appreciated. I've recently posted a complete video all about how I clean my boards , what fluids and also what cleaning cloths I use , so everything you need to know will be in that video . Hopefully that will answer all your questions . Thanks again 👍
Hi , thank you . In this video most of the examples were with the flux fresh . But one particular example ( the excess solder example ) shows the thickened flux and how it clings to the joint your working on . This flux really is good , like I've probably mentioned before it's the best I've ever used , and some of my friends over the years love it also. Thanks again for your support , and good luck with any soldering projects you do 👍
I loved your tips. As an older guy with vision that is getting worse. What type of microscope do you recommend? I love what ever you were using in your video.
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and hopefully found it useful. I've just reposted my last 3 videos as I've now got better editing skills ( they weren't great , I admit ) so I can now get better picture clarity , which hopefully comes across to the viewer. Thanks again and good luck with your soldering projects 👍
Hi , thank you for your comment , and for watching the videos . I'm glad you find them useful . Good luck with all your soldering projects and thanks again 👍
I am somewhat new to soldering on boards and this video caught my attention. I really appreciate the info you put out and how the video is laid out. I went to find the braid you used, I live in the US and Amazon was the first hit I got on it. Is it normally $80-100? I don’t want to order it and find out it’s normally cheaper
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. That price is way to much , maybe it's a reel with a large amount on it , possibly 30 metres. A normal reel for the hobbyist would be roughly $10 . Try Mouser or DIGIKEY ( American firms ) , or plenty of other places online for a decent price . The best width solder wick to buy I find is 1.5mm . Hope that helps , good luck 👍
Hi, Awesome videos especially for someone new to soldering. Can I ask about the fluxes. Do you have any recommendations as RS and other companies don’t offer any spray flux anymore. Also the Lego pad featured in so of your videos, is it to stop tools etc rolling off of the bench. Thanks Lee
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy the videos. I'm currently in the process of trying out some other fluxes , because like you say the spray ones seem to have been discontinued everywhere . If I find a good alternative then I'll put it on TH-cam. The Lego pad is just for some photos , I never use it when I'm soldering for anything . Hope that helps , thanks again , and good luck with all your soldering projects 👍
Hi , thank you . I'm glad you enjoyed the video . I've just worked out how to get better picture quality in my videos so they will be better than my early postings from now on . Thanks again , much appreciated 👍
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad the video was useful for you , if I can help a few people out then that's great. Thanks again, take care 👍
Excuse me Sir I have a question, I intend to replace the main tv capacitor , the original cap is 460v 68 uf but I can't find the same voltage I just found the higher voltage 500v 68uf this nameplate should I replace that? Thank you in advance.
Hi , thank you for your comment. RS Components do a similar one , order code 494 - 764 , that seems to come in the same format , 200ml , aerosol, etc which is what I'm looking for . The only trouble is it's roughly £10 a can more than the SMFL one . I will probably still use it as it does last me ages. Hope that helps , thanks again 👍
Hi , thank you for watching the video , much appreciated. The music is called Roboskater - Audionautix ( free TH-cam music ) hope that helps , thanks again 👍
I see that SMFL200D Surface Mount Rework Flux is discontinued in most locations, do you have a substitute you would recommend? Your video is Excellent, thank you!
Hi , thank you for your comment. You are right they have discontinued the SMFL200D . This is a shame as I've been using it for many years with great success, but now I'm going to have to search for a decent alternative. When I find one I will post about it on TH-cam. So I'm sorry at this point in time I can't recommend a good replacement. Thanks again , take care 👍
I'm a newbie but have used the ThermoPasty "solder paste" (the tin with the red writing) to good effect, if it works for me then I'm sure it will work well for you.
Hi , thank you , I'm glad you enjoy the video's . I will keep posting more in the near future and I've now managed to sort out my picture clarity on the video's ( Inc this one ) so future ones should be much sharper . Thanks again for your support 👍
Hi , thank you for your comment. Personally I like to use flux when I'm removing IC's etc with hot air as I always believe it helps with the solder flowing but I know equally many people who don't use it . So either way you can do the job . Thanks again , take care 👍
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated . I generally use a cleaning product called ULTRASOLVE which is definitely the best PCB cleaning fluid I have ever used . Also I occasionally use one called Flux Off if I can't get the ULTRASOLVE. Plenty of places sell these online. I've posted a complete video on TH-cam showing the way I clean my boards , from single components to whole boards . Thanks again , take care 👍
Hi , I use 2 different products to clean flux off . ULTRASOLVE and Flux Off . I never use Isopropyl , just not as good . I've posted a complete video on my channel all about how I clean my boards , maybe it will be of use to you . Thanks for your comment 👍
Hi , thank you for your question. Your right the SMFL flux became discontinued a few months ago , a right pain as it was the best flux I'd ever used and had been using it for many years. I'm sort of looking for a new type but i still have a few cans of the SMFL to use up yet . When I do eventually find a decent alternative I will post about it in TH-cam. You can still buy the SMFL in a small flux pen style but I'm totally not a fan of flux pens , but some people do like them so that's an option. Thanks again , take care 👍
Hi , thank you for your comment , much appreciated . I'm glad you enjoyed the hoovering trick , it just shows when it comes to soldering or desoldering flux is King . Thanks again , take care 👍
Working without flux does seem to be like doing chemistry without caralysts. It can be kinda done, but you'll be there much longer, busily compensating.
Hi , thank you for your comment. If I ever have boards that have solder on the pads already I would still 100% put flux on the pads . The flux that would have been in that pre-loaded solder would have been burned off when the solder was flowed so you definitely need to add fresh flux to help you achieve good soldering . Thanks again , take care 👍
Hi , thank you for your comment . To be honest I've never used this flux but I see it's meant really for plumbing jobs . So I personally wouldn't use it but I guess you could take a chance if desperate . Sorry I couldn't give you a clear answer . Thanks again , take care 👍
*_NEVER_* use a flux containing zinc chloride for electronics work. It sets up an endless corrosion cycle. The chloride (chlorine) content reacts with copper to make copper chloride. That reacts with carbon dioxide in air to make copper carbonate, freeing the chlorine to react with more copper, and on and on it goes. "Traditional" fluxes used in electronics are based on natural rosin. Pure rosin isn't a very good flux but can work on metals that are easy to solder and bright and free of oxide. Most electronics fluxes contain "activators" to make them more effective. The most preferred rosin type these days is RMA for Rosin, Mildly Activated. It is adequate for most work. RA (Rosin, Activated) is more aggressive but it isn't always safe to leave residues because there is some risk of corrosion. The flux in the spray can in the video is an RMA type dissolved in isopropyl alcohol. There are lots of modern electronics fluxes that are made using a base other than rosin. Some of the "no-clean" fluxes are extremely difficult to remove. Of course as the name implies, they don't need to be removed for general work, but residues can cause problems in some cases and removal is necessary.
Hi , Isopropyl is a poor cleaning fluid compared to some others on the market It's cheap for a reason . The best one I've ever found is called ULTRASOLVE . It's on a different level to the Isopropyl and will break down and remove stubborn flux with ease .
How did you clean the flux off after wicking? I was going to buy MG Chemicals 835 lquid flux, but one review said it dries solid on the part, so then I was going to look into no-clean ones but I have no idea what is best. And then I saw you just wiped it up with a paper towel?
Hi , thank you for your comment. To clean flux off after soldering I always use a fluid called ultrasolve which is available from companies like Farnell , RS Components, Rapid Online etc and I use a soft dry wipe called Gtek dry wipes from a company called Grove Sales ( England ) , I would never use a hard paper towel as board damage could occur but the dry wipes dipped in ultrasolve are so soft and really used right will look after your delicate components. Hope that helps , take care 👍
Please please please put some links to where we can buy these online and add referral codes so the hundreds of thousands of us can support your channel!
Hi , thank you so much for your support of my channel , very much appreciated . I've never done links to products as I feel like people have their own favourite brands and generally stick to them . The 4 companies I mainly use though for my soldering products etc are Farnell and RS Components in the UK and sometimes if needed I will use Mouser and Digikey from the United States. The best 4 companies in my opinion . I never set out on TH-cam to get that popular I just wanted to help a few people and if I could then I'd be happy . It's just a hobby really. Thank you again for your kindness , take care 👍
@@mrsolderfix3996 I can appreciate that but I don't have my favorite brand for liquid flux and I'm watching all your videos for product recommendations. For folks like me who have just used whatever we were familiar with in the past or for absolute beginners some product recommendations from experts like yourself are very useful. I suspect I'm not the only viewer who would buy a product you referred :D Thanks again for such wonderful content.
Hi , thank you for your comment. In soldering flux is massively important . I personally wouldn't solder anything without adding flux to the desired areas . Thanks again 👍
Step 1 - Only buy quality flux, solders, solder wick, and tools for the job.. Step 2 - See step one When you are in the business of bar level repairs it is not worth it to cheap out on this stuff. If you are a hobbyist you can go cheap but eventually you will stop that due to poor performance and possible pcb damage.
Hi , thank you for your comment. The flux I've used for many years SMFL200D unfortunately has recently been discontinued so I'm looking for a new type at this present time. When I find one I am happy with I will post it on TH-cam. Thanks again , take care 👍
Hi , thank you for your comment, very much appreciated. Hopefully the video can help a few people out with their soldering issues. Thanks again , take care 👍
What I missed here is the Solder Sucker Pump. If you have a lot of solder making shorts on the IC a pump is much easier in a first step to remove 90% and then continue with the wick.
Hi , personally I just don't like manual solder pumps , never have . Electronic ones are good but when removing shorts I just find solder wick way easier . Thank you for your comment 👍
Hi , unfortunately you are correct, it is now longer manufactured . Luckily I still have a small supply to keep me going for a while . I have found another great liquid flux which is just as good made by Loctite . The only problem is it's only available in 1 litre or 5 litre bottles , not much use for the hobbyist that's why I've not really mentioned it . I will try and look up next week the code for it and add it to this chat in case anyone wanted an extremely large amount of it . Thanks again 👍
Hi @@mrsolderfix3996 , you are an invaluable resource in regards to soldering skills and techniques. Did you get a chance to look up the code for the Loctite flux you are using?
Hi , your right looks like this has suddenly been discontinued. There's plenty more fluxes to try , RS Components do a similar type in the same style spray can , but is dearer , so I might try that when I need some more . Just a case of trying a few different ones and picking one we like . Good luck 👍
Hi , thank you for your comment , much appreciated. I've recently posted a complete video on TH-cam showing the cleaning fluids I use and how I use them . This video will give you all the information you need. Hope that helps , thanks again 👍
Hi , you are right they have discontinued the SMFL200D flux recently which is a shame as I've been using it for at least 10 to 15 years and found it amazing. Apparently RS Components do a similar aerosol one so I might try that out but unfortunately it's about £10 a can dearer than the SMFL one . Thanks for commenting , take care 👍
Hi , thank you so much for your support of my channel , it really means a lot . Hopefully my videos can help a few people out with their soldering / desoldering issues . Thanks again / take care 👍
Hi , thank you for your comment. Generally if I do leaded soldering I would use about 330 degrees centigrade and for lead free I would use about 350 - 360 degrees centigrade. There may be times when I'd need to slightly alter these temps but mainly I would stick with these ones mentioned above . Hope that helps , thanks again 👍
I've been learning to do SMD soldering, and all the videos I've seen have a tool being used to apply the flux, and I couldn't figure out what the tool was. Finally, you've revealed the secret - it's a cable tie! 🤣
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated . The cable tie has been revealed, seriously it works really well . Thanks again , take care 👍
I use a small paint brush. Works well
@@mrsolderfix3996 what do you use now, hasn't that specific flux has been discontinued?
When hand soldering, flux is your best friend! When desoldering using a braid, I apply flux via a flux pen to the braid before starting. It really improves the capillary action of the braid
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I agree , I go on about flux all the time in my videos , it is essential when hand soldering . In this video I mention adding it to the braid as this can really help at times , the only difference is I use a cable Ty to apply all of my flux and not a flux pen ( not a big fan of these ). Thanks again 👍
Extremely informative and useful video, thanks! Unfortunately, the SMFL200D ( nor its smaller pen version SMF12P) flux is no longer in production., accordingly to Farnell and other dealers. What alternative could you recommend, please?
I’m in the same situation, can’t find any to purchase. An equivalent product would be nice to know.
I'm also looking for good alternatives
I'm just about to both do my first surface mount soldering and design my first pcb. i had discovered the 1 inch on each side braid trick on my own but sliding the braid and using flux made it go so much easier. thanks for the tips!
Hi , thank you for supporting my channel , very kind of you . I hope you get on ok with all of your soldering projects , hopefully my videos can help you a little along the way . Thanks again , take care 👍
Great video. That tip at the end about halving the wick braid - BRILLIANT!!!
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , much appreciated . I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful , that's great to hear . Thanks again for your support , take care 👍
Great video, thanks for the tips, very helpful. ☺ Farnell say, when searching for Electrolube SMFL200D, that it's no longer manufactured
Quicker/easier way to clear a through hole is to use a wooden toothpick; preferably bamboo. I can clear a dozen or so holes enough to get wires/pins in using just one toothpick.
Simply liquefy the blockage, push the toothpick all the way through the hole, then remove the iron to let it cool, pull out the toothpick when the solder is solid. The wood is "solder phobic" so the solder won't stick to it. It is also heat resistant enough that it will survive long enough for the solder to solidify. Of course, use flux for a clean job, applying some to the toothpick really helps.
About a year later and here I am watching this video again. :) Love how the fluxed braid sucks up all the solder so much better. The difference is ridiculous.
Hi , thank you for your comment. Yes flux really does make solder braid way better . Glad you agree. Thanks again for supporting my channel 👍
the nice time I accidentally bridged SMD's legs I am going to try your method with the braid. Thanks for the tip!
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I hope you get on ok , take care 👍
Quality content, clear & straight forward, satisfying content to watch, I'm always saving these videos to my playlist & is valuable information to a would be tech & electricians.
Always fascinates me on how circuitry works, but you need time, patience & experience to do it.
I have a high pile of scrap electronics to work with, but I go by, if you cannot do it properly, then don't do it at all, & don't start until you have all the necessary equipment & setup.
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , your support is very much appreciated . I like your comment and what you are doing , keep it up . Thanks again , take care 👍
I bought a kit online and it was missing the flux ... basically, there were zero flux given.
Thank you for the informative vid, Mr SolderFix.
A thought: you might make a video that focuses on adapting soldering techniques when using lead-free solder after years (decades) of leaded solder. Not sure if that's enough to make a whole video from, but I'll bet it's a popular topic.
And thanks for the flux video, mate
Thank you. I really like your technique. Do you have an update on what flux you use? I've checked and everyplace I've found a listing for Electrolube SMFL200D is marked discontinued. It's possible someplace has leftover stock, but not that I have found.
i just started soldering and couldnt get it right until i wached your vidio it helped so much
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad you found the videos useful and they could help you progress with your soldering . I found if you do the easy stuff with lots of care you can progress on to the harder stuff with a lot more confidence and ability , making it more achievable. Good luck with your projects and thanks again for your support of my channel 👍
Super helpful! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting . I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful . Good luck with all your soldering projects and thanks again 👍
Hi great job but Electrolube SMFL200D is Unavailable, they say it is no longer produced, do you have a comparable replacement? Thank you for help
Thank you so much so for the master classes in methods for soldering and de-soldering. I currently use LaCo paste which is OK but it can be a bit messy, and I could do with something that behaves a bit more like your choice. Unfortunately both the SMFL and the RS Pro alternative have have been permanently discontinued (According to RS) so I am hoping you will return to this subject at some point.
...Sorry , the word flux was notably missing from the note above!
Hi , thank you for your comment. You are right the SMFL200D and RS alternative are no longer available which is annoying as I loved the SMFL and had been using it for many years. I am still looking for a decent alternative and have a couple to try out at the moment . When I find one I like I will post about it on TH-cam. Thanks again , take care 👍
The flux you recommend is awsome. Used it to successfully solder some massive QFP parts, which I struggled with before. I bought some a few months ago after watching one of your videos and its fantastic. I use a milk bottle top to hold it prior to applying it with a small brush, but I think I'll give it a go with a syringe. Not sure if it'll dry out, but it could be worth a go.
Hi , thank you , I'm glad it worked for you , but I agree it is a great flux . I've just posted this same video again as I've now got better editing equipment which gives the videos much better clarity and sharpness . So if anyone's wondering why I'm reloading my old postings it's only to show them in better detail .
I will keep posting new videos when I can , as I've still got lots to show and hopefully people will keep enjoying them.
Thanks again for your comment and good luck with any soldering projects 👍
I managed to find the flux under ESMFL200. It’s sold there in EU but it’s still available.
Hi , thank you for your comment, maybe if it is still about some lucky people may be able to find some . All I've found is a couple of companies who have it but you have to order at least 12 so not really viable. If anyone has any luck please post on here . Thanks again , take care 👍
Best instruction videos I’ve seen on this subject
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad you found the video's of use . Good luck with all your soldering projects and thanks again for your support 👍
You're a good teacher.
Hi , thank you, very kind of you . Glad you enjoy the video's 👍
binge watching all your guides and tips god bless you for your time, energy and effort you the best
Hi , thank you for your support of my channel , very much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy the videos . I've tried to improve the quality as I've gone along , I know my early ones are nowhere near as clear and sound as good as the later ones but I was learning then , hopefully people can see the difference now . Thanks again , I will post more when I can , take care 👍
@@mrsolderfix3996 Hey don't even worry brother we all start somewhere I love every video can't wait for more cheers😎🙏❣
Hi , your support is much appreciated. I will post more whenever I get spare time . Thanks again , take care 👍
Thankyou for taking the time to put on really great videos and just as importantly great commentary's that explain the process. Even tho I haven't done some of the procedures that you show I feel I could because of your top vids and instructions.
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated . I'm glad you enjoy the videos , hopefully they can help a few people out with their soldering / desoldering issues . Thanks again , take care 👍
Brilliant mate, exactly what I was looking for today. Thanks
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated 👍
Question ... I am in the USA ... I am looking at Digi-Key. I don't see this type of flux. Can you recommend on I can get here (I don't see the one you recommended available on this side of the pond). Also ... absolutely awesome videos !!!!!!!! I have never touched anything surface mounted. I am trying to repair the instrument cluster on a 2009 car. I hand enough knowledge figure out it was the cluster itself .... now I need to repair it. I think it is the power supply on the board (works for about 10 min then goes blank .. unplug it ... let it set for a while ... plug it in, it works again). I was going to throw it away but then I started watching your videos ... think I will take a shot at repairing it. Thanks again!
Try a company called Mouser
@mrsolderfix3996 what do you use instead of smfl now that it has been discontinued?
Great video, thank you mate! I've never really known how and when to use flux and this is going to really level up my soldering game.
The closeup macro shots are excellent and very helpful, what camera did you use?
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad the video has been of use to you . The camera is simply a macro lens attached to a mobile phone , nothing special really but gives you good results . Thanks again , take care ,👍
Dear Mr SolderFix, I couldn't find the Electrolube SMFL200D flux you recommended anywhere, the only trace of this product I found at Farnell but it says "Out of Production". Gtek dry wipes aren't so easy to find either, I'm not sure if Grove Sales ships outside the UK. Alternatively, do you have other products to recommend? As a test I bought a flux called Topnik-LP1 produced in Poland, I haven't had the chance to try it yet, I know for sure that it smells terrible 😂
It seams so easy use solder but it isn't. Last time that I trying to change a component, I have had a big damage with a broken pad.
I continue to follow your lessons for understanding better how to use iron
Hi , thank you for your support , much appreciated. Hopefully you can learn from the video's , then it makes it worthwhile for both of us . Good luck with all your soldering projects 👍
Excellent video Mr. Solderfix!
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , your support is very much appreciated 👍
Lepa i kvalitetna objasnjenja i resenja . Mozda pomenuti uredjaj i samu temperaturu na vrhu lemne stanice....Pretpostavljam da je Hakko ili Metcal??? Pozdrav.
English u tard
I actually try to spread the fibers of the braid just a bit. Push backwards against the braid, add some flux, and see how much better it works. This increases the capillary action.
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated 👍
Great soldering tips mate !
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , your support of my channel is very much appreciated 👍
Hi! Thank you for this kind and informative video. It was exactly what I was looking for :)
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated 👍
Your soldering is brilliant
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated . I guess I just practiced a lot over the years and learnt what tools , solders , cleaning products etc were the best . My 3 biggest tips are different thickness solders especially 0.25mm for any fine pitch soldering , a decent iron with a fine conical tip and flux . I remember seeing a very famous TH-cam solderer doing a video calling for everyone to bin their conical tips . Please don't listen to that advice . Thanks again , take care 👍
I would like to show you a photo but no idea as to how to add this
Wonderfully helpful video. Thank you, Sir!
Hi , thank you for your comment , much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful. Thanks again , take care 👍
What ‘cloth’ do you use to clean the flux residue? I’m assuming you use ipa as well? Good to see another vid. Seems ages since I saw one from you. Keep up the good work.
Hi , thank you for your comment , much appreciated. I've recently posted a complete video all about how I clean my boards , what fluids and also what cleaning cloths I use , so everything you need to know will be in that video . Hopefully that will answer all your questions . Thanks again 👍
As always great video. May I ask in the video was the flux aplied fresh or from resting for 20mins stuff? Thanks again
Hi , thank you . In this video most of the examples were with the flux fresh . But one particular example ( the excess solder example ) shows the thickened flux and how it clings to the joint your working on . This flux really is good , like I've probably mentioned before it's the best I've ever used , and some of my friends over the years love it also. Thanks again for your support , and good luck with any soldering projects you do 👍
Thanks for the video! I saved it in my folder for when i need it
Hi , thank you for your comment , much appreciated 👍
I loved your tips. As an older guy with vision that is getting worse. What type of microscope do you recommend? I love what ever you were using in your video.
Look for a USB microscope. They are getting pretty inexpensive now
Very informative video. Thanks for posting
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and hopefully found it useful. I've just reposted my last 3 videos as I've now got better editing skills ( they weren't great , I admit ) so I can now get better picture clarity , which hopefully comes across to the viewer. Thanks again and good luck with your soldering projects 👍
@DB-xt6ms
7 minutes ago
Have you came up with a alternate for the SMFL 200D and the ElectroLube ULS 400D? Can not find in the US
Much thanks for your informative well made videos!
Hi , thank you for your comment , and for watching the videos . I'm glad you find them useful . Good luck with all your soldering projects and thanks again 👍
Hi nice demo. I'm new to soldering. how do I desolder a battery on board (+ - red black) and then resolder a new battery
Big thanks! This video came in handy.👍
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated 👍
Thank you so much, this has been so helpful
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful , great news . Thanks again , take care 👍
I am somewhat new to soldering on boards and this video caught my attention. I really appreciate the info you put out and how the video is laid out. I went to find the braid you used, I live in the US and Amazon was the first hit I got on it. Is it normally $80-100? I don’t want to order it and find out it’s normally cheaper
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. That price is way to much , maybe it's a reel with a large amount on it , possibly 30 metres. A normal reel for the hobbyist would be roughly $10 . Try Mouser or DIGIKEY ( American firms ) , or plenty of other places online for a decent price . The best width solder wick to buy I find is 1.5mm . Hope that helps , good luck 👍
Hi, Awesome videos especially for someone new to soldering. Can I ask about the fluxes. Do you have any recommendations as RS and other companies don’t offer any spray flux anymore. Also the Lego pad featured in so of your videos, is it to stop tools etc rolling off of the bench. Thanks Lee
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy the videos. I'm currently in the process of trying out some other fluxes , because like you say the spray ones seem to have been discontinued everywhere . If I find a good alternative then I'll put it on TH-cam. The Lego pad is just for some photos , I never use it when I'm soldering for anything . Hope that helps , thanks again , and good luck with all your soldering projects 👍
Thank you, great video quality.
Hi , thank you . I'm glad you enjoyed the video . I've just worked out how to get better picture quality in my videos so they will be better than my early postings from now on . Thanks again , much appreciated 👍
Fantastic video. This helped me greatly. Thanks very much
Hi , thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad the video was useful for you , if I can help a few people out then that's great. Thanks again, take care 👍
Excuse me Sir I have a question, I intend to replace the main tv capacitor , the original cap is 460v 68 uf but I can't find the same voltage I just found the higher voltage 500v 68uf this nameplate should I replace that? Thank you in advance.
Very useful video. Thanks for doing it.
Hi , thank you for watching the video and supporting my channel , very much appreciated 👍
Electrolube SMFL is nog longer available (from Farnell, Distrelec...) Is there any alternative for this?
Great video. However RS components state the the flux is no longer manufactured. Have you an alternative suggestion?
Hi , thank you for your comment.
RS Components do a similar one , order code 494 - 764 , that seems to come in the same format , 200ml , aerosol, etc which is what I'm looking for . The only trouble is it's roughly £10 a can more than the SMFL one . I will probably still use it as it does last me ages. Hope that helps , thanks again 👍
i really like the song at the beginning,whats it called? great informative video by the way.
Hi , thank you for watching the video , much appreciated. The music is called Roboskater - Audionautix ( free TH-cam music ) hope that helps , thanks again 👍
I see that SMFL200D Surface Mount Rework Flux is discontinued in most locations, do you have a substitute you would recommend? Your video is Excellent, thank you!
Hi , thank you for your comment. You are right they have discontinued the SMFL200D . This is a shame as I've been using it for many years with great success, but now I'm going to have to search for a decent alternative. When I find one I will post about it on TH-cam. So I'm sorry at this point in time I can't recommend a good replacement. Thanks again , take care 👍
I'm a newbie but have used the ThermoPasty "solder paste" (the tin with the red writing) to good effect, if it works for me then I'm sure it will work well for you.
Great video instructions! Love them :-)
Hi , thank you , I'm glad you enjoy the video's . I will keep posting more in the near future and I've now managed to sort out my picture clarity on the video's ( Inc this one ) so future ones should be much sharper . Thanks again for your support 👍
Cheers mate the vid was very informative 👌
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated 👍
Should I use flux when removing chips with hot air?
Hi , thank you for your comment. Personally I like to use flux when I'm removing IC's etc with hot air as I always believe it helps with the solder flowing but I know equally many people who don't use it . So either way you can do the job . Thanks again , take care 👍
Hello. I have Dumb question: What liquid do you clean with?? Isopropyl alcohol?? Electronic cleaner spray?? Thanks!
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated . I generally use a cleaning product called ULTRASOLVE which is definitely the best PCB cleaning fluid I have ever used . Also I occasionally use one called Flux Off if I can't get the ULTRASOLVE. Plenty of places sell these online. I've posted a complete video on TH-cam showing the way I clean my boards , from single components to whole boards .
Thanks again , take care 👍
@@mrsolderfix3996 Nice. Thanks!
Hi , no problem , thanks for your comments 👍
Thank you! What are you using to wipe down with?
im assuming some Isopropyl alcohol. Very cheap and doesnt leave any residue
Hi , I use 2 different products to clean flux off . ULTRASOLVE and Flux Off . I never use Isopropyl , just not as good . I've posted a complete video on my channel all about how I clean my boards , maybe it will be of use to you . Thanks for your comment 👍
What material was it u applied to for the wiping? Any cloth? Or some sort if cotton swab?
Cool video, thanks a lot
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated 👍
Apparently the SMFL flux is no longer manufactured. Is there a similar alternative? Thanks!
Hi , thank you for your question. Your right the SMFL flux became discontinued a few months ago , a right pain as it was the best flux I'd ever used and had been using it for many years. I'm sort of looking for a new type but i still have a few cans of the SMFL to use up yet . When I do eventually find a decent alternative I will post about it in TH-cam. You can still buy the SMFL in a small flux pen style but I'm totally not a fan of flux pens , but some people do like them so that's an option. Thanks again , take care 👍
I found the SMFL UNDER THE NUMBER ESMFL.
That hoover trick is cool thx
Hi , thank you for your comment , much appreciated . I'm glad you enjoyed the hoovering trick , it just shows when it comes to soldering or desoldering flux is King . Thanks again , take care 👍
@@mrsolderfix3996 yeah I'm gonna order some when I get paid I could use all the help I can get lol
Working without flux does seem to be like doing chemistry without caralysts. It can be kinda done, but you'll be there much longer, busily compensating.
Thank you for the Great Video.
Hi , thank you for your kind words , really appreciated 👍
Thank you so much for this.
Hi , thank you for watching the video , much appreciated 👍
Farnell says SMFL200D is no longer manufactured. Do you still have a source?
True, the SMFL200D seems unavailable everywhere
Thank you for sharing your knowledge,i can now RGH my xbox
Hi , no problem , if I can help a few people out with their soldering issues then I'm happy. Good luck with all your soldering projects, take care 👍
Hey i have a circuit board that already has solder on it do I need to put flux
Hi , thank you for your comment. If I ever have boards that have solder on the pads already I would still 100% put flux on the pads . The flux that would have been in that pre-loaded solder would have been burned off when the solder was flowed so you definitely need to add fresh flux to help you achieve good soldering . Thanks again , take care 👍
Hello Mr Solderfix. Great video. Will Weller's LW25 work for fine electronics and PCB's, as it has Zinc Chloride in it (read that it is acidic)?
Hi , thank you for your comment . To be honest I've never used this flux but I see it's meant really for plumbing jobs . So I personally wouldn't use it but I guess you could take a chance if desperate . Sorry I couldn't give you a clear answer . Thanks again , take care 👍
*_NEVER_* use a flux containing zinc chloride for electronics work. It sets up an endless corrosion cycle. The chloride (chlorine) content reacts with copper to make copper chloride. That reacts with carbon dioxide in air to make copper carbonate, freeing the chlorine to react with more copper, and on and on it goes.
"Traditional" fluxes used in electronics are based on natural rosin. Pure rosin isn't a very good flux but can work on metals that are easy to solder and bright and free of oxide. Most electronics fluxes contain "activators" to make them more effective. The most preferred rosin type these days is RMA for Rosin, Mildly Activated. It is adequate for most work. RA (Rosin, Activated) is more aggressive but it isn't always safe to leave residues because there is some risk of corrosion. The flux in the spray can in the video is an RMA type dissolved in isopropyl alcohol.
There are lots of modern electronics fluxes that are made using a base other than rosin. Some of the "no-clean" fluxes are extremely difficult to remove. Of course as the name implies, they don't need to be removed for general work, but residues can cause problems in some cases and removal is necessary.
Hi , Isopropyl is a poor cleaning fluid compared to some others on the market
It's cheap for a reason . The best one I've ever found is called ULTRASOLVE . It's on a different level to the Isopropyl and will break down and remove stubborn flux with ease .
Another great video, loved it !
Hi , thank you for your comment, very much appreciated 👍
How did you clean the flux off after wicking? I was going to buy MG Chemicals 835 lquid flux, but one review said it dries solid on the part, so then I was going to look into no-clean ones but I have no idea what is best. And then I saw you just wiped it up with a paper towel?
Hi , thank you for your comment. To clean flux off after soldering I always use a fluid called ultrasolve which is available from companies like Farnell , RS Components, Rapid Online etc and I use a soft dry wipe called Gtek dry wipes from a company called Grove Sales ( England ) , I would never use a hard paper towel as board damage could occur but the dry wipes dipped in ultrasolve are so soft and really used right will look after your delicate components. Hope that helps , take care 👍
Awesome content bro.
Hi , thank you , your comment is very much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video 👍
Lifesaver video. Subbed.
Hi , thank you for your support of my channel , very much appreciated . I will post more videos when I get some spare time . Thanks again 👍
Please please please put some links to where we can buy these online and add referral codes so the hundreds of thousands of us can support your channel!
Hi , thank you so much for your support of my channel , very much appreciated . I've never done links to products as I feel like people have their own favourite brands and generally stick to them . The 4 companies I mainly use though for my soldering products etc are Farnell and RS Components in the UK and sometimes if needed I will use Mouser and Digikey from the United States. The best 4 companies in my opinion . I never set out on TH-cam to get that popular I just wanted to help a few people and if I could then I'd be happy . It's just a hobby really. Thank you again for your kindness , take care 👍
@@mrsolderfix3996 I can appreciate that but I don't have my favorite brand for liquid flux and I'm watching all your videos for product recommendations. For folks like me who have just used whatever we were familiar with in the past or for absolute beginners some product recommendations from experts like yourself are very useful.
I suspect I'm not the only viewer who would buy a product you referred :D
Thanks again for such wonderful content.
thank for the tutorial sir
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very kind of you 👍
I tried to do this with 0.5mm holes today. Its much harder. Any tricks for this?
Looks like flux is what I need after struggling to solder leads onto a piezo element!
Hi , thank you for your comment. In soldering flux is massively important . I personally wouldn't solder anything without adding flux to the desired areas . Thanks again 👍
Step 1 - Only buy quality flux, solders, solder wick, and tools for the job..
Step 2 - See step one
When you are in the business of bar level repairs it is not worth it to cheap out on this stuff. If you are a hobbyist you can go cheap but eventually you will stop that due to poor performance and possible pcb damage.
what components are included in this flux? Its rosin based or acid based?
I’ve tried to source the flux you recommend in this video. But I can’t for my life find any. I’ve tried all the USA websites.
Hi , thank you for your comment. The flux I've used for many years SMFL200D unfortunately has recently been discontinued so I'm looking for a new type at this present time. When I find one I am happy with I will post it on TH-cam. Thanks again , take care 👍
Seem that the smfl flux you use is no longer produce . Is colophane base flux can be suitable ?
Creative video, thanks :)
Hi , thank you for your comment, very much appreciated. Hopefully the video can help a few people out with their soldering issues. Thanks again , take care 👍
What I missed here is the Solder Sucker Pump. If you have a lot of solder making shorts on the IC a pump is much easier in a first step to remove 90% and then continue with the wick.
Hi , personally I just don't like manual solder pumps , never have . Electronic ones are good but when removing shorts I just find solder wick way easier . Thank you for your comment 👍
Hello Mr SolderFix,
Did you find an alternative for Electrolube SMFL200D flux please ?
Thanks 🙂
Good question, SMFL200D seems unavailable
Hi , unfortunately you are correct, it is now longer manufactured . Luckily I still have a small supply to keep me going for a while . I have found another great liquid flux which is just as good made by Loctite . The only problem is it's only available in 1 litre or 5 litre bottles , not much use for the hobbyist that's why I've not really mentioned it . I will try and look up next week the code for it and add it to this chat in case anyone wanted an extremely large amount of it . Thanks again 👍
Hi @@mrsolderfix3996 , you are an invaluable resource in regards to soldering skills and techniques. Did you get a chance to look up the code for the Loctite flux you are using?
@@mrsolderfix3996have you managed to find the code or maybe an alternative that comes in smaller quantities? Great videos!
Was about to purchase this flux. Realising, Its not manufactured anymore
Hi , your right looks like this has suddenly been discontinued. There's plenty more fluxes to try , RS Components do a similar type in the same style spray can , but is dearer , so I might try that when I need some more . Just a case of trying a few different ones and picking one we like . Good luck 👍
Great tip
Hi , thank you for your support , very much appreciated. Glad you found the video of use 👍
What kind of wire is that you remove the solder
Solder braid
Good idea
Hi , thank you for watching the video and commenting , very much appreciated 👍
Hi whzt do you use to clean the flux of the board.
Hi , thank you for your comment , much appreciated. I've recently posted a complete video on TH-cam showing the cleaning fluids I use and how I use them . This video will give you all the information you need. Hope that helps , thanks again 👍
@@mrsolderfix3996 okt hank you i will look to the video.
Excellent.
Hi , thank you for your comment , much appreciated 👍
Sir, one subject on dip ic and mosfet desoldering. Please
Thank you!
Hi , thank you for your comment , much appreciated 👍
flux is more powerful than i thought
Hi , flux is king when soldering 👍
Apparently SMFL200D is no longer manufactured! :(
Any other good recommendations?
Hi , you are right they have discontinued the SMFL200D flux recently which is a shame as I've been using it for at least 10 to 15 years and found it amazing. Apparently RS Components do a similar aerosol one so I might try that out but unfortunately it's about £10 a can dearer than the SMFL one . Thanks for commenting , take care 👍
@@mrsolderfix3996 thx for replying, please let us know your experience if you try it.
Hi , I will do 👍
I was always blowing the holes out while liquid. No matter the size.
Thanks so much
Hi , no problem , I'm glad you enjoyed the video . Thank you for commenting 👍
excelent ..... super
Hi , thank you for your comment, glad you enjoyed the video 👍
Thanks!
Hi , thank you so much for your support of my channel , it really means a lot . Hopefully my videos can help a few people out with their soldering / desoldering issues . Thanks again / take care 👍
What was the temp on iron?
Hi , thank you for your comment. Generally if I do leaded soldering I would use about 330 degrees centigrade and for lead free I would use about 350 - 360 degrees centigrade. There may be times when I'd need to slightly alter these temps but mainly I would stick with these ones mentioned above . Hope that helps , thanks again 👍