any high st places stock solder wick /braid etc

[500e]

Yes then clean thoroughly, the wick will work better if it has a bit of solder to start,
Does the the sucker nozzle fit the pin moving the pin while solder is fluid helps

 

[steveo3002]

anything in the shed i can use to clean it up ? dont have any specific elec cleaner

 

[Dee J]

anything in the shed i can use to clean it up ? dont have any specific elec cleaner

IPA, meths, vodka. Just about anything solvent-y. Even soapy water may do it.

 

[steveo3002]

thanks everyone ..will see how it goes tomorrow

 

[500e]

Break cleaner, Vodka, Non aromatic gin

 

[Misterg]

Am I the only one here that desolders with a short bristle paint brush

Bob

Am I the only one here that desolders by whacking the board against the bench so that the molten solder flies off

(Actually I have a solder sucker now - never really got on with braid...)

 

[Dee J]

Am I the only one here that desolders by whacking the board against the bench so that the molten solder flies off

(Actually I have a solder sucker now - never really got on with braid...)

Nope. In a past life of electronics repair I've used all techniques - anything to get the job done. There's a world of difference between desoldering small smd resistors, multipin components and large copper busbar. Then there's heavy component leads on tag board... Ingenuity always required.

 

[merryman]

I do a lot of repairs to Quad wiring, and find solder doesn't stick too well to the wires, often they have turned black under the insulation due to corrosion. I guess stuff like Bakers "killed spirits" would work, but that is not recommended for electrical applications. Usually can't take a bit more wire off as it disappears into plastic conduit, or is close to a wiring plug. How does everyone clean blackened copper wire to get it to solder.

 

[ajlelectronics]

I do a lot of repairs to Quad wiring, and find solder doesn't stick too well to the wires, often they have turned black under the insulation due to corrosion. I guess stuff like Bakers "killed spirits" would work, but that is not recommended for electrical applications. Usually can't take a bit more wire off as it disappears into plastic conduit, or is close to a wiring plug. How does everyone clean blackened copper wire to get it to solder.

Fine wet and dry paper.

 

[optima21]

I find that for using solder wick, I find it better if you dip it into flux first and use a higher temperature on the soldering iron than I normally use (or a larger tip), as the wick will draw the heat from soldering iron.

 

[James1979]

I do a lot of repairs to Quad wiring, and find solder doesn't stick too well to the wires, often they have turned black under the insulation due to corrosion. I guess stuff like Bakers "killed spirits" would work, but that is not recommended for electrical applications. Usually can't take a bit more wire off as it disappears into plastic conduit, or is close to a wiring plug. How does everyone clean blackened copper wire to get it to solder.

I get that a lot on what I do

I find either wet and dry or wire wool

sometimes a bit of heat from the iron and old solder (with lead in) burns it off if the wire is thick enough to get away with that

 

[merryman]

Fine wet and dry paper.

I find either wet and dry or wire wool

Right, so mechanical abrasion, more or less how I do it now, I've been scraping the corrosion off with a knife, but it is difficult to get right round each tiny strand and, if you don't, the corrosion seems to creep over what you have cleaned when heated, particularly once the flux hits it.

 

[Rkweld]

Right, so mechanical abrasion, more or less how I do it now, I've been scraping the corrosion off with a knife, but it is difficult to get right round each tiny strand and, if you don't, the corrosion seems to creep over what you have cleaned when heated, particularly once the flux hits it.

This may sound stupid but can you use any sort of electrolysis?

I have used it on components when I an not in a rush, I do not know how quick it would work on fine wire strands.

Out in the field it would be as everyone says, remove with abrasion or run a whole new wire full length.

 

[James1979]

I spread the wire out like a fan and sort of rub the wire wool/ w&d paper between finger and thumb. Sort of roll it about.

 

[ajlelectronics]

Right, so mechanical abrasion, more or less how I do it now, I've been scraping the corrosion off with a knife, but it is difficult to get right round each tiny strand and, if you don't, the corrosion seems to creep over what you have cleaned when heated, particularly once the flux hits it.

The problem with a knife is removing too much material nor severing the wire, particularly in fine wire. Try some 800 Wet and Dry, maybe even 1000. I just pick up whatever is lurking on the bench to use.

 

[Seadog]

Fan out the strands and use a fibreglass brush.

 

[500e]

Never thought of that @Seadog
Use them on pads though

 

[julianf]

Compressed air blow gun makes a wonderful desolder-er.

So does heating it up and then whacking the edge of the board on something. Just need to make sure the solder balls are shooting some way that they wont matter.

Ive never really got on with braid anyway, ill always go for a pump, even a hand held manual one seems to give me better results.

 

[500e]

Found wick good but some roles / makes just don't work.
Allways kept mine in small zip lock bag,
Don't know if it made any difference made me feel better though.
Weller suction stations OK ish but you want the selection of nozzles
Regarding hitting board held board and bumped hand on bench not board, that way you can orientate to best angle so solder is thrown off board.
Have been in a couple of board repair shops and seen it done