If you’re not Fluxing, you’re not Soldering | What the Flux does Flux do anyway?

On this episode of the Art of Repair, Justin takes you through one of your most basic and fundamentals tools when soldering, explaining what solder is as well as sharing a few tips on finding the right solder for yourself. Finish the video and see Justin solder with & without flux to see what a difference it makes!

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[josearrasola]

Another thing you been saying for years email your info and I get you started in classes and even send some of your tools Up to date still haven’t heard from you ? Way to goooo BUD

[FixedUntilBroken]

When I was learning to solder as a teenager. I would get so mad and give up on projects. Then one day I was at hardware store buying a new soldering iron convinced that it was the issue. this like 80 year old Navy vet saw me looking at them came over and asked if I had any experience soldering . I told him how hard of a time I was having soldering he explained to me what flux was. Told me to try that instead of buying a new iron... Boy was he right. I wish I could back in time and thank him again because I probably would have given up electronics if I had bought a new iron and still couldn't do it. Its crazy how small encounters can change the course of someone's life.

[markphilpot]

Newsflash, this isn’t something new people! Been doing the flux thing for over thirty five years. Don’t do lead free or anything but Kester 282 63/37 and Kester 186 liquid flux. AIM, Alpha Metals and Multicore also make top drawer products to. Been doing this DOD STD 2000-1 thing since 1985. I know there is a new J STD out, but who has $5-6K to spend on a training session when what I have been doing is equivalent to level 3 of the J STD for the same period. It is about owning your work and only doing it first rate always. Justin is an inspiration to me even though I do mainly thru hole work and some SMDs. Doing his level is fascinating to me. I can learn something new each video. Good job Justin! Keep it up! Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷

[parker]

I highly recommend against using the pens for flux. It doesn't really put enough on the board to make any difference and just using no flux works almost as well. Also the mass of the tip makes a massive difference when soldering. If you're trying to solder a large contact with a small tip it's always going to be a nightmare. I would say using the correct tip is even more important than using flux.

[Dorff_Meister]

Useful stuff! Thanks! I've a somewhat new convert. This extra verse was helpful.

[Justo_racks_onMe]

I tried to learn soldering while following a Xbox modding tutorial and I couldn’t find flux at Walmart so I just went along without it . Then I learned the hard way the importance of flux

[stalwartcomputers]

Thanks for the shout out Justin we appreciate it, We do try our best to bring great products to the industry to make the job easier for all you guys.

[MichaelRogersJesusrules]

Hi, is that why my soldering always is pointy, not curved in the finish? i just thought because the wire had flux in it i didnt need flux no more. Thanx for sharing.!

[corporatetool]

Just saw 2 Youtubers not use flux while desoldering. Switch and Click and Optimum Tech. Switch was using an expensive Hakko desoldering gun and Optimum had a nice wireless kit. They didn't use solder tip cleaner, sponges, stands, or a silicone mat. Then acted like it's normal. I wonder how many gaming mice and keyboard PCBs their viewers melt.

[francisstepanek]

Question. How do you reflow broken solders joints in whethered board-with some kind of coating over it? Is the coating needs to be removed 1st, then flux applied with heat gun to repair properly?

[markphilpot]

Oh well, my training taught me to match the flux I use based on the flux core in the solder I am using. Brand matching the flux and solder yields the best results as their chemistries are as matched as they can be. I’m not saying that you cannot use a different flux than your solder’s core. It will not be consistent in the process. Since I learned to solder to DOD STD 2000-1, their are no compromises utilizing this standard. The reason for using the same extra flux as your solder’s core has to do with both compatibility and consistency in the end product. Not bucking your method as it works for you. We don’t have to agree on process methodology to understand the necessity of using extra flux as a helper. Your video shows the flux doing it’s job and it’s effect on the work. Cleaning the area both before and after with 99% isopropyl alcohol is a must because it doesn’t harm the plastic or metal parts and it dries without residue. Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷

[bmtechautomotive]

Thanks for the video although not happy with how the shop page its annoying unable to register
Regards

[robertcalkjr.]

Thanks, Justin. It is hard for me to take anyone seriously that does not use plenty of flux. I have some of that Amtech flux vacuum sealed in the fridge.
I also like MG Chemicals #835, but it is harder to clean up.
I don't mean to pick on you, but you forgot to wet your iron tip with a little solder.

[notinajaronmars]

You're an excellent teacher. Thank you so much for explaining this concisely. You're totally right, I was wondering what type of flux to buy and ways of applying it to the board.

[knightwar]

I was using a cheap flux and the result was always a bridge between small pins no matter how much i put lol even when using desoldering wick the flux has no effect, it felt just like water floating on the pcb, then i tried a different brand and now soldering is more easy but the smell is much stronger and it's so sticky doesn't look nice on the board

[philippeboily]

Hey Nice video!!! I was wondering, some cable do have 1.8% in them already!! Do you still need to use some extra flux?

[ricardohernandez]

THANK YOU I WISH I CAN THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR ALL THE VIDEOS, I Know it will take some time but I will over all of them.

[danthegreat]

i was doing 0201 capacitors and it wasant sticking it wasant bonding to the pad properly and it looked all cracked and messy bareley held on the there used flux and i was doing 2-4 0201 caps a minute no problem

[stevena]

Did you use any solution on the Q-Tip when you cleaned the flux or was it just a dry one?

[RaffaelloLorenzusSayde]

What happens if soot gets inside the melted soldered wire when using flux?