If you're soldering WITHOUT flux, you'll find it hard to get a good clean quick bond. IF you use flux, you'll get a nearly instant clean joint, right away because it allows the solder to bond rapidly because there is no interfering oxidation. Use flux to pre tin your work areas. Joints are nearly instant once temperature is reached with flux and pre tinned work. The only downside is you have to clean your work after, which should be standard practice anyway.
I always used to say that flux was what made solder stick to whatever you were trying to solder. And someone would always correct me and say that it "cleans" the parts. Regardless of the actual mechanism at work, with flux, solder flows onto and sticks to the parts. Without it, the solder would rather roll up into a ball and stick to the iron. So from the layman's perspective, flux is the magic paste that makes solder stick to things.
Tanner Slice and use flux after too. Usually a good idea to sand the peace you soldering together first . So that no debris gets on the way of the solder
Oh dear, you have a real problem with focusing and a short attention span. You have been spending too much time staring at computer and telephone screens. Try going for a nice walk every evening when the weather is nice, and DO NOT listen to music or stare at your telephone while you are walking. This will help improve your ability to pay attention, focus, and have a longer attention span.
And you must work for Howcast. Seriously, if you do, take this as feedback that will help improve your content (and ask for a pay raise, 'cos this is definitely not a career move), Read the rest of the comments below, it will help with calculations of probability of poorly put together content.
hyqhyp well it's alot more complicated then what it appears to be ..if u really wanna learn it's a must to TakE ThE TimE to do so.. maybe should not have clicked the shorter video..
Don't worry I googled it myself. The flux paste will draw in the solder after the pipe is heated using a blow torch. The acid in the flux attracts the solder into the seam between the two copper pieces and fills the gap and creates a semi-permanent bond between the pieces.
If you have a base idea of what Flux is, this video just further explains. Flux is used in welding also, so I had an idea of what it does. It is used as a "barrier" between the work piece and the air, so the air won't negatively react with the work piece, keeping it free of defects and oxidation.
Ok i found an answer finally. its just regular old rosin (like for a violin bow). its called colophony, and you can by it in bulk to make your own liquid flux just by diluting it in alcohol :) hope this comment saves you 2:44 seconds of unnecessary jibber jabber
'What is Flux' != 'How to Solder'. There are plenty of videos for how to solder. I don't know why ppl are confused; the video answered all I wanted to know re: 'What is Flux?'
+jaamzw So let's look at this: "What is this?" "It fastens screws." Now do you know it's called a screwdriver? I am more interested in what it's made of, even a standard 4x16 brick knows soldering flux is for soldering...
+HunChem if the video is titled what's a screwdriver I'd expect an explanation of what it does, not someone telling me it's a cast piece of metal with a handle.
+jaamzw (posting from real account) Or maybe... MAYBE, call the video "How to use a screwdriver" because this video still doesn't answer what flux is, only how to use it. And if you look further in the comments, i am not the only one complaining about this. There are videos about birch sugar, they start the videos with what it is and *then* go on how to make it.
i assume your first language is not english. this is a normal way to say things. if you someone asks 'what is a car?" you don't start listing what a car is made of...you explain what it does and how to use it. just like this video does with flux!
I am about to solder something tomorrow, came here looking to see if I need flux , reading the comments made me think I shouldn't watch this video , bahahahaha Comments are hilarious!!! Started watching , and I heard him say flux 42 times in the first minute and now I quit soldering . But ordered flux.
I use soldering wave machines that use three types of flux. 737N Water soluble, 2009M which lead free, and SLS65 which is leaded for leaded products as lead free is for lead free products. The product being circuit boards which may need touched up after the wave process by soldering by hand. So this comes in handy.
In caswe you came here for what is flux? "Rosin has good flux properties. A mixture of organic acids (resin acids, predominantly abietic acid, with pimaric acid, isopimaric acid, neoabietic acid, dihydroabietic acid, and dehydroabietic acid), rosin is a glassy solid, virtually nonreactive and noncorrosive at normal temperature, but liquid, ionic and mildly reactive to metal oxides at molten state. Rosin tends to soften between 60-70 °C and is fully fluid at around 120 °C; molten rosin is weakly acidic and is able to dissolve thinner layers of surface oxides from copper without further additives." Thanks Wikipedia!
He does not realize that almost all of his viewers are not into a comprehensive overview, theory and philosophy of the work they do, instead its a kind of wam bam thank you mam kind of a deal.
I have a really important question, i bought flux and it says its self-cleaning flux, water soluble, but it is white so can i use this to clean my iron
I think this video really confuses things, I have only tried soldering for the 1st time last week, before that I remember doing it at High School, which was a long time ago and I found it hard to keep everything going at the same time, without burning myself. I think I might need one of those "Helping Hands" gadgets so I can see what I'm doing, but my understanding of how to use the flux you get in the pot, was that where the flux is the solder flows to, only thing I can think of is maybe to use something to rough up the surface a bit, so you have something to attach it to.
It cleans the oxidation layer that forms on the metal surfaces of the soldering iron tip and the two pieces you are joining. Without flux you will not transfer heat well or make any solid bond. It's a kind of heat activated acid you could say I guess.
No. You use solder to tin the iron. Flux is for removing any oxides immediately before soldering a joint. Although if you were using solder without a flux core you might want to apply flux to your iron's tip before applying solder to tin it.
Zen Punk The Flux is used to clean and tin BOTH parts, you can then offer them together and heat the Solder with the iron, to merge the two. Shimples. It is NOT at all possible to Solder anything without flux, it simply will not flow, it will just gum up in a lump.
You can heat flux until it turns into charcoal and you won't get any tin out of it. That's because there's no tin in flux. Rosin flux as best as I know is refined pine sap. Though you won't learn that watching this video. Flux really won't remove oxides too well either. Though flux should stop new oxides from forming. Which is useful itself.
they say that the fumes is not bad for your health but my friend who is an electrical engineer & been working with soldering for 15 years, well his health is still good...
Yeah but, what is flux? Thank you for teaching me some of the chemical makeup of flux's solvents. How has flux changed since the lead solder days? "What is flux?"'
Hmm... The paste flux I have always used is not that clear, i guess crystalized, even in a relatively warm room. Is there an advantage to the thinner flux? I like my thick flux as I have an easier time making it stick when cold, and when I need it runny, i can just hit the jar with a heat gun for 1 second. I have always used rosin flux #135, and never have used anything else. It looks like bees wax until warmed. Am I missing something as to why many people seem to prefer more runny fluxes?
You describe rosin flux, then show us what it looks like. Next, you mention rosin core solder and show an example of that. Finally, you said water based flux is the latest and greatest type of flux for soldering boards...and of course, curious to see what it looks like, Im waiting and waiting and waiting, then the video ends, without ever showing us or giving a description of it. Despite it being so great, we'll just have to do some extra digging on our own.. Would have been nice to have seen it here, you'd have a much more thorough video, explaining the types of flux along with visuals of them. It's too bad this video isn't one I can recommend, as it isn't complete, leaves viewers with more to desire.
Flux chemically makes a healthy bond to a soldering circuit it limits exposure to oxidation later in the weld ... that’s what he is trying to say I never use it but I only make small repairs
My soldering iron gets oxidised quickly and makes soldering process difficult. How long should the iron be turned on and should be on when we place it in the holder? Thank you. It's seems to be the most difficult task in the world. Sigh!
Hi, the solder I bought says: "Lead-free for electrics and electronics. Contains 97.8% tin, 0.7% copper and 1.5% resin. Melting point: 227°C. Recommended soldering temperature: 360° - 380°C.". Does this mean it contains flux inside?
Alfredo Guerra its just cleans the copper because copper oxidizes quickly and oxidation restricts the heat transfer making the solder flow and not melt inside the joint
Can I still use expired Flux? Any possible effects on wire being soldered in terms of its reliability? Noticed it turns more viscous state.tnx in advance for answers
dip wires/components leads to be soldered into it and use a match stick(cut off the chemical part) or cut of the ends of an ear bud stick or straw with slanted end and use to apply some flux paste onto PCB holes. A tiny bit is enough. Or get a flux pen for holes. duckduckgo.com/?q=flux+pen&iax=images&ia=images You do not need it as much any more since there is solder wire with rosen(flux matter) core. duckduckgo.com/?q=rosen+core&iax=images&ia=images Once done fluxing/soldering clean/wipe board with rubbing alcohol or acetone(plain nail polish remover) Cause flux is acidy it will eat into the board and contacts.
Where did you got a good fluc.? My solder still new,but after few session using it,the solder getting darken,and i try to use pros'kit flux but is doesnt work well whith solder iron and turn black..
If you're soldering WITHOUT flux, you'll find it hard to get a good clean quick bond.
IF you use flux, you'll get a nearly instant clean joint, right away because it allows the solder to bond rapidly because there is no interfering oxidation.
Use flux to pre tin your work areas. Joints are nearly instant once temperature is reached with flux and pre tinned work.
The only downside is you have to clean your work after, which should be standard practice anyway.
Drew Gormley You did a better job than he did, well done!
Thank you. Now can you tell us that was saying that hard to do, like at all? Was there any special effort in making that sentence?
Agreed!
You are right. But I've seen some people over do it esp. with flux pens.
thanks
I always used to say that flux was what made solder stick to whatever you were trying to solder. And someone would always correct me and say that it "cleans" the parts. Regardless of the actual mechanism at work, with flux, solder flows onto and sticks to the parts. Without it, the solder would rather roll up into a ball and stick to the iron. So from the layman's perspective, flux is the magic paste that makes solder stick to things.
I've never soldered before in my life. All I wanted to know was how to use flux. I still don't.
Tanner Slice
Dip wires into flux, prior to heating with the iron or dip the iron into the flux and smear it onto the wires or other metals.
Tanner Slice think of it as brushing a canvas . Wet the item w flux prior to adding the solder.
Tanner Slice and use flux after too. Usually a good idea to sand the peace you soldering together first . So that no debris gets on the way of the solder
Holy Freeholy Thank you!
Billy Andrew Thank you!
Okay, I just finished eating the flux, is that all that is required?
nothing tests my intrusive thoughts quite like a fresh container of flux
I watched this video, and now actually know less about flux than before!
Not the profs fault you're an idiot
David Myers oof lol
Like that th-cam.com/video/zrQ2Ew8uKv8/w-d-xo.html
As little information as possible with as many words as possible.
Oh dear, you have a real problem with focusing and a short attention span.
You have been spending too much time staring at computer and telephone screens. Try going for a nice walk every evening when the weather is nice, and DO NOT listen to music or stare at your telephone while you are walking. This will help improve your ability to pay attention, focus, and have a longer attention span.
And you must work for Howcast. Seriously, if you do, take this as feedback that will help improve your content (and ask for a pay raise, 'cos this is definitely not a career move), Read the rest of the comments below, it will help with calculations of probability of poorly put together content.
exafuckingly
University in a nutshell
hyqhyp well it's alot more complicated then what it appears to be ..if u really wanna learn it's a must to TakE ThE TimE to do so.. maybe should not have clicked the shorter video..
Don't worry I googled it myself.
The flux paste will draw in the solder after the pipe is heated using a blow torch. The acid in the flux attracts the solder into the seam between the two copper pieces and fills the gap and creates a semi-permanent bond between the pieces.
Thanks for doing the job of a three minute video in two sentences.
A job that it FAILED to do
If you have a base idea of what Flux is, this video just further explains. Flux is used in welding also, so I had an idea of what it does. It is used as a "barrier" between the work piece and the air, so the air won't negatively react with the work piece, keeping it free of defects and oxidation.
Ok i found an answer finally. its just regular old rosin (like for a violin bow). its called colophony, and you can by it in bulk to make your own liquid flux just by diluting it in alcohol :) hope this comment saves you 2:44 seconds of unnecessary jibber jabber
I've soldered for 4 years in school and we've NEVER used flux. All connections come together nicely.
try by yourself once before commenting.
Well now you are out of school you need to learn the right way.
you just teach me, a lot in soldering theme; Be sure that one day someone will get you back, all your kindness!THANKS A LOT, I AM A BEGINNER!
Jesus Christ. He didn't answer the damn question...
th-cam.com/video/vIT4ra6Mo0s/w-d-xo.html
Here is old school yet much better explanation with demo
He answered it perfectly.
@@heksogen4788 no, he doesn't.
RUSTY NEEDLES Yes he did.
@Baerchenization Yes, he did, and please don't use God's holy name in a profane way, for your own soul's sake.
Well thank you Professor, you are very clear, precise and to the point , great.
This video is sort of like asking your dad what's an 8-track tape? and having to sit through his entire collection of Arlo Guthrie.
finally, an expert that knows what he's talking about.
Good description on it. Now on to how to use it.
Thanks for mention that mega ohm bit. THere are times when I need to solder with an insulation resistance of at minimum 3.6Giga Ohms.
'What is Flux' != 'How to Solder'. There are plenty of videos for how to solder. I don't know why ppl are confused; the video answered all I wanted to know re: 'What is Flux?'
Great, thanks for showing us how use it. Cuz it's called Howcast.
how do you use it? might be kinda helpful duh
+poo munstar me too even though I dont like disliking videos
How hard would it have been to say before you solder dip it in flux.
Adding the "How?" portion of a video outlining the basics of flux, on a channel named Howcast, isn't a lot to ask I think...
You put it on the joint to be soldered together. Solder with the flux core flows as it is melted ("right where it needs to be when it needs to be").
So, we have this video, called *"What Is Flux?"* and guess what is the ONLY thing it didn't answer!
+HunChem go back to 5 seconds. clearly tells you what it's used for.
+jaamzw So let's look at this:
"What is this?" "It fastens screws." Now do you know it's called a screwdriver?
I am more interested in what it's made of, even a standard 4x16 brick knows soldering flux is for soldering...
+HunChem if the video is titled what's a screwdriver I'd expect an explanation of what it does, not someone telling me it's a cast piece of metal with a handle.
+jaamzw (posting from real account) Or maybe... MAYBE, call the video "How to use a screwdriver" because this video still doesn't answer what flux is, only how to use it. And if you look further in the comments, i am not the only one complaining about this.
There are videos about birch sugar, they start the videos with what it is and *then* go on how to make it.
i assume your first language is not english. this is a normal way to say things. if you someone asks 'what is a car?" you don't start listing what a car is made of...you explain what it does and how to use it. just like this video does with flux!
thanks for these tips. I had an easier time soldering.
Thank for sharing your knowledge with us,we can`t afford to pay you but be blessed
I am 65 start to learn something new, to spend my time.
Great video and explanation !!
nice it helps me a lot thanks
Excellent for understanding why flux is needed.
'What is flux?' ...Something everyone should have when soldering! 😁
lols at the "sodder" vs "solder" argument.
I am about to solder something tomorrow, came here looking to see if I need flux , reading the comments made me think I shouldn't watch this video , bahahahaha
Comments are hilarious!!!
Started watching , and I heard him say flux 42 times in the first minute and now I quit soldering . But ordered flux.
great video, thanks!
its what makes time travel possible
I use soldering wave machines that use three types of flux. 737N Water soluble, 2009M which lead free, and SLS65 which is leaded for leaded products as lead free is for lead free products. The product being circuit boards which may need touched up after the wave process by soldering by hand. So this comes in handy.
thank you for this.. i've learn so much..
good job thanks
does the flux chemically react to remove oxides or is it just a physical barrier to the atmosphere?
Both. After the flux cleans off the oxides it blocks the air from contacting the metal..
when i solder the solder just flows off the wire and leaves behind a clear reflective layer of crust u mind helping me out
I can't believe he didn't actually use it
In caswe you came here for what is flux?
"Rosin has good flux properties. A mixture of organic acids (resin acids, predominantly abietic acid, with pimaric acid, isopimaric acid, neoabietic acid, dihydroabietic acid, and dehydroabietic acid), rosin is a glassy solid, virtually nonreactive and noncorrosive at normal temperature, but liquid, ionic and mildly reactive to metal oxides at molten state. Rosin tends to soften between 60-70 °C and is fully fluid at around 120 °C; molten rosin is weakly acidic and is able to dissolve thinner layers of surface oxides from copper without further additives."
Thanks Wikipedia!
I see that flux word is a very popular word in your sentences. Conclusion, what flux is?
nicely explained.thank you so much.
Good video!
Good video . Any link can I buy flux paste soldering
I dig that solder wire spindle.
He does not realize that almost all of his viewers are not into a comprehensive overview, theory and philosophy of the work they do, instead its a kind of wam bam thank you mam kind of a deal.
I LOLed at 0:20 "... In electronics we use water soluble solder..." I sure hope not.
Make that 0:18
What the Flux are you taking about?
+Conqwiztadore22 - He's a mother fluxer...
+Conqwiztadore22 Flux you.
Aman Basanti Go flux yourself
+Fucknuts Flux off
JJ Ayers Flux you guys, I'm outta here!
Information is very valuable for me
Actually, Flux is Trove's currency.
"What the flux"
Flux is very useful for soldering.
TH-cam should work on their suggestions algorithm.. I only came across this channel using search
can you please tell me what liquid is use to clean solid rosin ?
That's great but I still have no clue why the flux is in my soldering kit, and if I should use it, and, if so, WHEN I should use it
I LEARNED NOTHIN from this
Fun science lesson, thanks a tonne.
0:52 What the flux
I have a really important question, i bought flux and it says its self-cleaning flux, water soluble, but it is white so can i use this to clean my iron
is powerflow flux good to use when doing the soldering?
Wonderful!
nice video. short and to the point. thanks
I still don't know what the point of using "Flux" is, what does it do? Is is necessary?
i cant get solder to stick to steel or aluminum. so flux is needed to break the oxide layer. (still having a hard time tho)
I think this video really confuses things, I have only tried soldering for the 1st time last week, before that I remember doing it at High School, which was a long time ago and I found it hard to keep everything going at the same time, without burning myself. I think I might need one of those "Helping Hands" gadgets so I can see what I'm doing, but my understanding of how to use the flux you get in the pot, was that where the flux is the solder flows to, only thing I can think of is maybe to use something to rough up the surface a bit, so you have something to attach it to.
It cleans the oxidation layer that forms on the metal surfaces of the soldering iron tip and the two pieces you are joining. Without flux you will not transfer heat well or make any solid bond. It's a kind of heat activated acid you could say I guess.
So lets just say the flux/rosin is used for tinning the soldering iron?
No. You use solder to tin the iron. Flux is for removing any oxides immediately before soldering a joint. Although if you were using solder without a flux core you might want to apply flux to your iron's tip before applying solder to tin it.
Zen Punk The Flux is used to clean and tin BOTH parts, you can then offer them together and heat the Solder with the iron, to merge the two. Shimples.
It is NOT at all possible to Solder anything without flux, it simply will not flow, it will just gum up in a lump.
+David Potter If your solder is lead free do you use flux still?
You can heat flux until it turns into charcoal and you won't get any tin out of it. That's because there's no tin in flux. Rosin flux as best as I know is refined pine sap. Though you won't learn that watching this video. Flux really won't remove oxides too well either. Though flux should stop new oxides from forming. Which is useful itself.
good video.
what is the best flux and solder to use for soldering a auxiliary output of audio and video for a little dvr
when i try soldering 18650 batteries, how come they don't stick? I'm using soldering paste. Do I need soldering flux?
As soon as I saw the RadioShack label on the flux container, I knew this is an old video.
Nice sir ji
they say that the fumes is not bad for your health but my friend who is an electrical engineer & been working with soldering for 15 years, well his health is still good...
what the flux dude...
Still have no idea what flux does in practical terms. Metal oxides? Unless I see what you're talking about I can't understand and apply it.
But how do you USE flux? It would be helpful to show it in action.
Yeah but, what is flux? Thank you for teaching me some of the chemical makeup of flux's solvents. How has flux changed since the lead solder days? "What is flux?"'
I opened this video to get this answer too but no luck.
What is "sodder"?
Hmm... The paste flux I have always used is not that clear, i guess crystalized, even in a relatively warm room. Is there an advantage to the thinner flux? I like my thick flux as I have an easier time making it stick when cold, and when I need it runny, i can just hit the jar with a heat gun for 1 second. I have always used rosin flux #135, and never have used anything else. It looks like bees wax until warmed. Am I missing something as to why many people seem to prefer more runny fluxes?
1.7m views with 7k likes. Hmmm if only there was something that tells me most people don't like this video.
question answered in the first 15 seconds..
You describe rosin flux, then show us what it looks like. Next, you mention rosin core solder and show an example of that. Finally, you said water based flux is the latest and greatest type of flux for soldering boards...and of course, curious to see what it looks like, Im waiting and waiting and waiting, then the video ends, without ever showing us or giving a description of it. Despite it being so great, we'll just have to do some extra digging on our own.. Would have been nice to have seen it here, you'd have a much more thorough video, explaining the types of flux along with visuals of them. It's too bad this video isn't one I can recommend, as it isn't complete, leaves viewers with more to desire.
If you don’t know what soldering is or how it works you won’t understand what you need flux for
can i replace flux with another one?
If he says flux one more time I'm going to attack him.
Explain how flux-in-a-tin is used. How are you supposed to apply it?
Show you how to USE it? Pfft! NO! Why do that when I can just TALK about it for three minutes?
would you please show how flux is used while soldering.
introduction to soldering :)
I have a rosin core solder! It’s meant for electronics. Can I still use it to connect pennies and other things like washers together?
which flux is conductive?
Trichrorethylene nasty stuff but it used to smooth and polish mouthguards
It's what allows for time travel, right?
Flux chemically makes a healthy bond to a soldering circuit it limits exposure to oxidation later in the weld ... that’s what he is trying to say I never use it but I only make small repairs
My soldering iron gets oxidised quickly and makes soldering process difficult. How long should the iron be turned on and should be on when we place it in the holder? Thank you. It's seems to be the most difficult task in the world. Sigh!
Hi, the solder I bought says: "Lead-free for electrics and electronics. Contains 97.8% tin, 0.7% copper and 1.5% resin. Melting point: 227°C. Recommended soldering temperature: 360° - 380°C.". Does this mean it contains flux inside?
It should say Rosin not resin and the Rosin is the flux.
what the flux?
Alfredo Guerra its just cleans the copper because copper oxidizes quickly and
oxidation restricts the heat transfer making the solder flow and not
melt inside the joint
;-;
I... still dont know how to apply flux.... but i know what it already was....
It took a while to work out what soddering meant but it's soldering is it ?
Can I still use expired Flux? Any possible effects on wire being soldered in terms of its reliability? Noticed it turns more viscous state.tnx in advance for answers
No point to this video. How do I use flux?
dip wires/components leads to be soldered into it and use a match stick(cut off the chemical part) or cut of the ends of an ear bud stick or straw with slanted end and use to apply some flux paste onto PCB holes. A tiny bit is enough.
Or get a flux pen for holes.
duckduckgo.com/?q=flux+pen&iax=images&ia=images
You do not need it as much any more since there is solder wire with rosen(flux matter) core.
duckduckgo.com/?q=rosen+core&iax=images&ia=images
Once done fluxing/soldering clean/wipe board with rubbing alcohol or acetone(plain nail polish remover)
Cause flux is acidy it will eat into the board and contacts.
nimrodery
Alternatively, you can very _briefly_ dip the iron into the flux and rub onto the metal to be heated.
So what is it, jelly?
Is "Fluxing agent for soft-soldering" the right thing for electronics?
Would it be correct if you tried working in a pressure vacuum, you wouldn't need flux?
McC1oudv2 i guess that would be correct
McC1oudv2 that could be dangerous as well
Where did you got a good fluc.? My solder still new,but after few session using it,the solder getting darken,and i try to use pros'kit flux but is doesnt work well whith solder iron and turn black..
Well watch and listen .