How to remove SOLDER glue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: tony359
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 10:03:03 am
content: I didn't even know what "solder glue" was, I had to google it. It's CONDUCTIVE glue, designed to glue wires/circuits/components together when soldering is not possible. In my case, the person who tried this didn't have a soldering iron I believe.Surprisinglyit didn't work.I need to remove everything, does anybody know the best way to remove that compound? Scraping? Alcohol? Heat? Acetone? Hammer?Thanks!

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 10:26:28 am
content: Do you know the exact product name used? This will let you find the SDS, which in turn will list the ingredients. Knowing the polymer/monomer will help you select the right solvent or technique.If not then try random SDS and see if there is a consensus or if every product is different

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 10:41:36 am
content: You could try heating it with an airgun or soldering iron. Use suitable fume extraction, because it will give off poisonous gasses. If you use a soldering iron, use an old tip, you're not bothered about, in case it's corrosive. Applying fresh, real solder and flux should also help to clean it.

author: tony359
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 11:23:52 am
content: I've asked the question and unfortunately there is no way to find out what the product was.I guess I'll experiment a bit then - thanks Zero for the heads up, I'll make sure my extractor is turned on.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 12:30:46 pm
content: I can't tell exactly from your picture what's "glue" and what's not. I am aware of two common types of cold-applied conductive materials.The first and probably most common is a paint or epoxy loaded with silver or other metallic powder. The material to repair heating wires on windshield is an example.The other is a solution of a silver compound that by chemical reaction precipitates nanoparticles of silver on a substrate. It leaves a highly reflective and conductive coat. One use is silvering mirrors. ThatEDIT: Sorry about the fragment. I wrote, and then decided not to post, but somehow a portion of an early draft was posted.In sum: If it's the silver nanoparticle precipitate, your only solution is mechanical. If the connector is nylon or similar (e.g, not ABS). then it will be safe with more aggressive organic solvents up to methylene chloride (dichloromethane) that is in or used to be several enamel/polyurethane/epoxy paint removers. Methylene chloride will affect conformal coating and might soften solder resist. Don't soak in it, as it can also affect the PCB per se.

author: benj38
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 02:50:56 pm
content: There are different types of this abomination, and some recommend to put cyanoacrylate glue (superglue) on top of it for reinforcement, which your image suggests may be the case here.You can first try 99% isopropyl alcohol, but if cyanoacrylate glue was involved this will not work.Do not use acetone, it may damage the connector (depending on the plastic used), or other things on the board. I would try to apply a soldering iron to it. This usually softens and crumbles the glue. Note, however, that if cyanoacrylate glue was indeed used on top, the heat will make it evaporate, and your eyes and nose will immediately let you know what is going on. If this is the case, do it in a well ventilated area or with a fan blowing, and do not put your face above the fumes.After the heat treatment, I will try controlled scraping with an X-Acto knife. Remember that since it is conductive you do not want any little shaving staying around.

author: tony359
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2025, 09:23:03 am
content: I agree with the "abomination"Thanks for the heads up on toxic fumes, I'll make sure I have my external extractor turned on.I think I'll try with some heat and mechanical action and see where that takes me. Yes, the idea that superglue could be part of the equation came to mind, I see "white" residues everywhere which I think it's the "gases" released by superglue.Sigh! Wish me luck!Thanks for your help!