Finally gave up on the generic flux and switched to the good stuff

I was using a cheap no-name flux paste for years, mostly for basic console HDMI port jobs. Last week, I had a really stubborn, oxidized pad on a vintage amp board (a 1978 Pioneer, to be exact). The cheap stuff just wouldn't get the solder to flow, no matter how much I cleaned or heated. On a whim, I dug out a tiny, expensive sample of MG Chemicals 8341 I got at a hamfest. The difference was instant. The solder beaded perfectly on the first try, and the joint looked clean under the scope. I wasted maybe 30 minutes fighting with the old paste before the switch. What's your go-to flux for tough, old board work?

3 comments

3 Comments

sagejackson4d ago

Heard that MG Chemicals stuff is the real deal for old boards.

-1

henry_anderson544d ago

Yeah, I was totally in the "it's all the same stuff" camp for the longest time. Tried some on a crusty old C64 board last month though, and it just worked without any fuss. Kinda changed my whole view on it, honestly.

iris_thomas854d ago

Their 835 cleaner saved a water-damaged Game Boy for me.