Solder and flux

hotpickups

I posted this as a comment in my other thread but I feel it's another subject really so thought I'd best start a new one. When soldering I was advised by someone that I should use flux, which I did. They then told me after I'd finished the soldering and shrink wrapped it all that flux can be corrosive and should neutralize it somehow with something like water. Great so I have a possibility of a future failed joint or is that really likely ?

jonnygreentrees

I've never used flux when making pedals

hotpickups

jonnygreentrees said:

I've never used flux when making pedals

Me neither usually. That'll teach me to take advice from an 82 year old ex plumber. I'm surprised he never told me to use a blow torch

jonnygreentrees

hotpickups said:

jonnygreentrees said:

I've never used flux when making pedals

Me neither usually. That'll teach me to take advice from an 82 year old ex plumber. I'm surprised he never told me to use a blow torch

I still use lead solder and I believe it has a core of flux in it

hotpickups

jonnygreentrees said:

hotpickups said:

jonnygreentrees said:

I've never used flux when making pedals

Me neither usually. That'll teach me to take advice from an 82 year old ex plumber. I'm surprised he never told me to use a blow torch

I still use lead solder and I believe it has a core of flux in it

So I can probably take some worry out of the guitar lead failing on me at a gig then @jonnygreentrees ;

Sporky

Depends on the flux you've used. The stuff in electronics solder is generally non-acidic, whereas the plumbing stuff is usually acidic. [/gross oversimplification].

What exactly did you use?

hotpickups

Sporky said:

Depends on the flux you've used. The stuff in electronics solder is generally non-acidic, whereas the plumbing stuff is usually acidic. [/gross oversimplification].

What exactly did you use?

Unfortunately he gave me his plumbers flux. Looking like I'm going to have to buy new jacks and do the whole thing again

Sporky

Nah.

Probably fine to desolder it all, clean the jacks and redo it with electronics solder.

Also if you can find out exactly what flux he gave you - it might not be a problem at all. Exact brand and type.

hotpickups

Sporky said:

Nah.

Probably fine to desolder it all, clean the jacks and redo it with electronics solder.

Also if you can find out exactly what flux he gave you - it might not be a problem at all. Exact brand and type.

How do you clean it @Sporky. I'll check the flux he gave me tonight

ecc83

Yes, modern, solder is flux cored and no extra is needed for small jobs like jacks.

However if you are attempting a bigger job, soldering to chassis e.g. a smear of good quality rosin flux helps things flow enormously, especially with Pbfree solder. But in any case, preparation is the key to easy soldering. Clean the wires and the plug contacts with an abrasive then wipe with ISOPROPA. Makes a huge difference. N.B. some plugs etc have a very shiny plated surface that resists solder (don't know WTF they do it!) A fine file or Stanley blade can be used to cut through the plating.

Dave.

hotpickups

So I'll probably be ok to risk it this time @ecc83 ?

EDIT: I think I'm being my usual paranoid self again. It'll be fine LOL