Cleaning the rosin-core of solder....?

[TheLaw]

I know this is probably the wrong forum. I apologize.

I was recapping a USB card for the hell of it the other day, and I realized that I have not been cleaning any of the rosin-core flux...ever...

I'm using Kester 44 @ 63/37. It is a rosin-core solder. When I make big joints, I get a lot of the yellow flux residue from the rosin core on the outside of the joint. I don't think it's too corrosive, but is there a proper technique to getting rid of it?

Thanks.

[Toasty]

Re: Cleaning the rosin-core of solder....?

>>I don't think it's too corrosive,<<

Rosin core is NOT corrosive.

Isopropyl Alcohol at 91% works very well. A little on a toothbrush provides both the solvent and mechanical action to cleanup very nicely.

Be very careful if you choose a "flux remover" in the spray can. -Some- contain chemicals that will harm plastics. Watch you don't spray a meter or piece of equipment face or the item you're repairing. Alcohol can damage some plastics too (clouds them), but not as readily as the spray type cleaners.

Toast

[Krankshaft]

Re: Cleaning the rosin-core of solder....?

Kester 44 is the only stuff I use the flux residue doesn't need to be cleaned off if you want it to look pretty that's one thing.

But they say in their documentation the flux residue may be left on the joints as it's not corrosive or conductive.

Check page 2 under cleaning.

[TheLaw]

Re: Cleaning the rosin-core of solder....?

Okay thanks guys.