Noticed a big change in my solder joints after switching flux

I used to use this cheap rosin flux from a hardware store for like two years, and my joints always looked a bit cloudy or had these little balls around them. Then last month, a senior tech at the hangar in Phoenix told me to try Kester 186 flux instead. The difference was night and day... joints come out shiny and clean, and I haven't had a single cold joint since. I was spending maybe 10 minutes extra per board reworking bad connections before. Has anyone else seen that kind of improvement from just changing flux brands?

2 comments

2 Comments

amy_foster568d ago

Did you have to adjust your technique at all with the new flux?

henry_palmer248d ago

Funny you mention that, 'cause it got me thinking about how much we have to tweak things without noticing. A buddy of mine used to swap out his guitar strings every week and never changed a thing about how he played, but with the flux, it's like you gotta rethink your grip or speed. It's the same with driving a different car or even using a new phone - small changes mess with your muscle memory. With the flux, I found myself pressing harder at first, which was dumb. Now I just relax more and let it do its thing, which feels more natural. Ever notice how adjusting one little thing can throw off a whole routine?