High temp Blu Tack replacement to hold components during soldering - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: maelh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2022, 10:38:13 pm
content: Hi,A while ago I read a tip about using BluTack to hold components in place during soldering. Sometimes it melts slightly however, and removal is not as simple as I'd like it to be.On many professional products you can see this white RVT silicone (e.g., around caps). Is it heat resistant? How easy is it to remove?Ideally I am looking for some kind of heat resistant putty, that is relatively easy to remove again after soldering. It doesn't need to stick super hard, just enough to hold the component in place while soldering.Any ideas?Edit: I should add this is for hand soldering and the putty/glue should be easy to remove afterwards.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2022, 10:57:22 pm
content: I use medium or thick cyanoacrylate glue ("CA" or Superglue). The cheapest stuff works and works even better if aged. Kind of like Gallo wine.Just a tiny bit works for passive devices (about 0.1 ul). I adjust amount for larger IC's. Some people on this forum may screech, "heavens no." Pay no attention. I just did that last weekend with some small IC's that did not sit right after reflow.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2022, 11:17:39 pm
content: I use BlueTak - I thought that it was just me.Not aware of a "high temperature" version though.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2022, 12:35:27 am
content: Quote from: maelh on February 28, 2022, 10:38:13 pmThe white RTV silicone is heat resistant (~200C+), and is designed to be permanent to hold the parts in place from vibration. Its not that easy to remove.What specifically are you soldering?I just hold it by hand. Others use blutack or bend the pins. Hemostats would work too:https://wildhorseinnovations.blogspot.com/2009/11/hemostats-third-hand-you-always-need.htmlhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/soldering-holding-stuff-to-the-pcb/https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/118398/holding-components-without-bending-leads-when-soldering-upside-downhttps://au.rs-online.com/web/p/pcb-holders/1628766

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2022, 12:40:06 am
content: Proto G did a video on this

author: Cerebus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2022, 02:55:18 am
content: Plasticine? It's just basically clay and mineral oil. It gets tackier and softer as it gets warmer but firms up when it cools down again. I doubt that you'd get it so hot that anything would decompose.Alternatively papier-mache might provide enough mechanical support, but it's got no tack. I've actually used wet kitchen towel mashed up a bit, not to hold components but to cool particularly heat sensitive parts when soldering.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 01, 2022, 03:18:20 pm
content: Maybe it was a mention of Rodico which is used by jewelers as it doesn't leave any residue. It is actually used by jewelers to remove oil or fingerprints on metal surfaces.I've bought some but haven't done any testing with it yet. I got it off ebay so it likely isn't "genuine", but it feels quite different to Blutack (less sticky).A search of the forum only brings up two other mentions for rodico...

author: maelh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2022, 03:30:36 pm
content: Quote from: jpanhalt on February 28, 2022, 10:57:22 pmIs this for a permanent install or is there an easy way to remove the glue again?

author: maelh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2022, 03:31:44 pm
content: Quote from: Kean on March 01, 2022, 03:18:20 pmI can't quite tell if this material can be molded into shape like putty, or if it is stiff and just to clean?

author: maelh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2022, 03:33:41 pm
content: Quote from: Cerebus on March 01, 2022, 02:55:18 amGood idea, however a search says it melts already at 80°C.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2022, 05:17:02 pm
content: Quote from: maelh on March 02, 2022, 03:30:36 pmCA glues are heat sensitive. Some are much more stable than others. The cheap stuff softens and depolymerizes at relatively low temperatures.Quote from: Google headlineI have never had a problem removing a part (e.g., passives SOT23-3) affixed with CA. If you do, a hot-air gun will solve the problem. For larger parts (e.g., SOT23-6), I haven't tried to remove one I soldered, but again, I don't suspect a problem. Also, obviously, this is not for reflow soldering.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2022, 01:17:44 am
content: Try liquid paper.Alternatively go into the forest, trap some smurfs, feed them a high fibre diet.Collect smurf shit, boil, bottle and age.Use in lieu of blue tac

author: maelh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2022, 03:06:15 am
content: So far judging from the comments of the "Proto G " YouTube video, BluTack seems to get more sticky/melt more than 3M adhesive putty. It's also pretty limited in its temperature rating, but I suppose it's worth a try.Apparently the correct name is "Scotch Removable Mounting Putty" and not "3M adhesive putty".Might be necessary to ask 3M if it creates any toxic gases. Apart from this point, it might be a good alternative.

author: Cerebus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2022, 03:28:42 pm
content: Quote from: maelh on March 08, 2022, 03:06:15 amBlu-TackTMis Bostik's tradename for it.They were the original and hence are associated with it in the same way that Hoover is with  vacuum cleaners (Which should really be calledSpanglersif one was to use the name of the original inventor, but thank providence that William H. Hoover bought the idea from him because "Spanglering the carpet" sounds like something you should probably be arrested for in the defence of public morals.).

author: maelh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 07:41:08 am
content: Quote from: Cerebus on March 08, 2022, 03:28:42 pmI was pointing out the correct name for the alternative product, that has slightly different properties. I clarified the original post.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2022, 02:33:02 pm
content: What about a dab of hot melt glue on the side of the part? It comes right off with isopropyl (without dissolving — it’s a purely mechanical removal)On the rare occasions I need to support a component, I will often use Kapton tape to secure it.Otherwise, the real solution is a soldering PCB holder with the foam backing.