need a roll of desoldering braid..

[Mad_Professor]

I'm running out. I need a new roll of desoldering braid. The braid I have is made by soder-wick with rosin size #2 50-2-25. It does alright, takes a bit of effort to get the solder on to the braid, I was wondering if there are any better ones that can attract solder better.

Or maybe I'm doing something wrong, anyways I was wondering what you guys use or have any tips for me?

[mariushm]

Re: need a roll of desoldering braid..

I usually add a drop of liquid flux on the braid on both sides or on the side that's going to be in contact with the stuff i want to desolder.
Then I put some solder on the solder iron tip and put the solder tip in contact with the braid on the side that's not in contact with the soldered stuff.
The bit of solder on the tip and the flux help transfer heat better from the tip to the wick, and the flux helps with the oxides on the soldered stuff.

As for specific solder wicks, I get whatever's cheapest, I don't use it often enough to buy in volume.

[tom66]

Re: need a roll of desoldering braid..

I say avoid the stuff on dealxtreme. It's usually fluxless. I've used nice thick wick before (7mm or so) and don't want to go back - costs a bit more, but it's excellent for getting bigger semis off a board.

[pfrcom]

Re: need a roll of desoldering braid..

I say avoid the stuff on dealxtreme.

+1

Especially the stuff they sell branded Goot - it must be counterfeit, doesn't work like the last of my (presumably genuine) Goot bought from local supplier Jaycar

[tom66]

Re: need a roll of desoldering braid..

+1

Especially the stuff they sell branded Goot - it must be counterfeit, doesn't work like the last of my (presumably genuine) Goot bought from local supplier Jaycar

That was the last stuff I bought, didn't work. So, yeah, I'm avoiding it in future.

[severach]

Re: need a roll of desoldering braid..

Solder on the iron won't do anything. The braid immediately strips all solder off the iron. Flux on the braid is what makes it work. Braid is nice but I've fluxed wire cut from bad power supplies as DIY braid.

[Mad_Professor]

Re: need a roll of desoldering braid..

any purpose to no clean or rosin activated?

[mockingbird]

Re: need a roll of desoldering braid..

Avoid this wick from China:



Bought a roll for next to nothing... It is fluxed, but the copper strands are packed too tightly and flattened. The stuff won't absorb anything.

any purpose to no clean or rosin activated?

Rosin Activated or Rosin Mildly Activated flux is stronger than no clean flux but they need to be cleaned off afterwards. It's up to you.

[LDSisHere]

Re: need a roll of desoldering braid..

This is what I bought last and it works better than other braid I have tried so far.

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...yq6Z7bCCqBk%3d

[larrymoencurly]

Re: need a roll of desoldering braid..

Doesn't Chemtronics still give out samples?