Lifted trace, how to glue back down? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: LeWidget
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2023, 05:02:10 pm
content: Hi all,I have a PCB and one of the tracks lifted. I tried using superglue but no good, didn't stick. I preferably don't want to remove / replace the track altogether, I'd much rather try to stick it back down.What have you had success with at gluing down traces/tracks ? Is there something that's heat resistant that works?

author: EggertEnjoyer123
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2023, 05:42:37 pm
content: Look up solder mask ink

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2023, 06:36:31 pm
content: There is only one way to stick down traces, which is to thoroughly clean the substrate and the copper foil with solvent, and use two-part liquid epoxy to bond the foil onto the board, followed by heating in an oven at 75°C for an hour or at least 24 hours at room temperature. Cyanoacrylate adhesive (superglue) decomposes far below soldering temperatures and is not usable on circuit boards.But simply gluing the trace back down will not restore connectivity.In your picture there are two large rectangular holes at the sides of the lifted trace: This is unusual and you should clarify what type of component is attached there.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2023, 06:53:19 pm
content: I can answer 1st question - I do not glue tracks back, i remove the lose part and replace with wires of appropriate diameter.

author: LeWidget
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2023, 06:15:16 am
content: Quote from: EggertEnjoyer123 on July 28, 2023, 05:42:37 pmThanks. Isn't that stuff used to protect non-soldered parts of tracks though? I'll check it out anywayQuote from: helius on July 28, 2023, 06:36:31 pmThanks Helius, I'll look into some epoxyThe traces themselves don't seem to be broken, just the pads where the component solders to is lifted off the board.Sorry, the two rectangle holes are for the feet of a battery contact. (see attached pictures)Quote from: Bud on July 28, 2023, 06:53:19 pmThanks Bud. The tracks themselves are still together, just lifted off the pad. If I remove them, wouldn't I still be in a pickle as I'd need to stick down (glue or other) the new pads / wires? I touched the track and it broke off. Looks like I'll have to replace it. There's no solder points on the opposite side for the battery contact feet to solder to, so I'll have to try to replace the pad altogether. (see attached pic)

author: Shonky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2023, 08:26:04 am
content: Looks like the now missing track is just between two terminals of the same connector ie it is not absolutely necessary. I'd just fit the terminal back and solder it on the one side of the pad that remains and then use an epoxy or similar to make a mechanical bond of both terminals to the board.

author: wasedadoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2023, 08:53:04 am
content: You also need to address the corrosion on the terminals.

author: Swake
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2023, 04:23:19 pm
content: Quote from: wasedadoc on July 29, 2023, 08:53:04 amhoo yes, there is corrosion everywhere. Many tracks are impacted. Might be from battery leaking. Must clean all that, else more trouble coming in unexpected moment.

author: LeWidget
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2023, 04:57:39 am
content: Thanks guys. I ended up just sticking the contact in and putting a blog of solder onto each leg & bridging to the resistor. The contacts I cleaned up, pretty beaten up but working.One thing I noticed, the sticker on the bottom says DC output 1.4v but when I plug in the charger and probe the positive and negative contacts, the left contacts read 1.5v +/- and the right contact 2.3v +/- with voltages fluctuating a bit. I don't know much about chargers, I know they charge batteries at a slightly higher voltage than the batteries output, but does it sound like there's an issue there or is it just me?

author: EggertEnjoyer123
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2023, 05:58:30 am
content: Quote from: LeWidget on July 29, 2023, 06:15:16 amThe guy in this video uses solder mask ink to hold down traces and he does repair for a living:It's at the 21 min mark