Flux Pens or Syringe? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: superscott319
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 06:28:26 pm
content: Hi, I was looking to buy flux for some electronic projects I'm working on and was wondering which methods of applying flux you all prefer. I've never bought flux or worked with it much so I'm not sure what to look for. From the research I've done so far, it seems the most common means of applying flux is through a pen or syringe.Between these two options, which do you think works better for general purpose SMD soldering? I'd be interested to know if there's some other common way of applying flux too. Also are there any particular flux products you'd recommenced for a beginner?Thanks

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 06:38:48 pm
content: Thisis my favorite.

author: babysitter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 06:44:26 pm
content: Felt tip flux dispenser pen. By a big margin, followed by brush, followed by spray.I prefer syringes for the other stuff - glue, solder paste etc. - happily abusing the pressurized-air dosage machines at work for this

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 06:45:23 pm
content: never had a problem with kester flux pens. otherwise I just use a 34-ish gauge syringe.for flux pastes, a needle works well for me.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2013, 10:00:28 pm
content: I use a squeeze bottle with a dispensing needle on it (similar torobrenz).With the right needle size, you get a lot of control IMHO so I find it more useful than a disposable pen (also more economical, as it's refillable). Particularly useful for tinning wire and drag soldering.Refillable pens also exist if you'd rather go that route, and still end up more economical than the disposable pens.SRA:http://sra-solder.com/section.php/141/1/flux_pens/a6c1582fef719e5149c2f5290c64bd6fXytronics (brush tip; empty):http://www.xytronic-usa.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=74Empty Pens from Chemtronics:http://www.chemtronics.com/products/product.asp?r=1&m=2&id=537With the latter two, you can put whatever you want in them for flux (type & brand).And don't be afraid to try different applicator types to see what best fits your way of doing things IMHO.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2013, 12:20:42 am
content: I got this multicore flux penhttp://newzealand.rs-online.com/web/p/solder-fluxes/4259379/and the felt tip completely frayed into a ball of mess before the pen was even half empty.I managed to pull the end out and swap it around the other way, which worked for a short time before that frayed also.Now i can't get any of the flux out because i can't press the tip in making it useless. Maybe i should cut it open and fill up a syringe or something.My other flux pen (electrolube) is still working fine and doesn't have this problem.Can't say i'm all that impressed with flux pens, ive been meaning to try a flux gel syringe or squeeze bottle.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2013, 12:24:20 am
content: Paste!(I just wanted to be different)