Best Q tips?

[Segasonicfan]

Q tips are of course a popular favorite for cleaning up flux and using with IPA for other small jobs.

It's very helpful, but all the different brands I have tried leave microscopic hairs that I'd prefer to avoid. Does anyone know of a good brand that sheds the least for.our beloved PCBs?

[BBBbbb]

add "lint free" to your search.

Medical ones are a good option, also more accessible could be the ones used in optics maintenance. Try sites like Thor Labs and Edmunds Optics...
But keep in mind price goes up steeply compared to the cheapos at your local store.

[mikerj]

Q-tips I think you mean, cue tips screw into the front of pool and snooker cues!  I use lint free swabs for cleaning, and wrap it around the end of a q-tip if I need to get into a tight corner.

[JustMeHere]

Just get some flux cleaner and a "static free" brush.  I use an old toothbrush, but it's not recommended.

[wizard69]

Here is a get you started link: https://www.amazon.com/Lab-Swabs/b?ie=UTF8&node=2620830011

However Amazon is probably the worse place to go cost wise.   One thing to consider is your local hobby shop, especially one that focuses on hobbies that involve painting.   to paing fine figurines a tiny sharp tipped swab is used that is lint free.   They are great for all sorts of micro cleaning chores.   For example: https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Model-Kits/Tools-Adhesives/Triangle-Craft-Cotton-Swabs---Medium/p/108439.   Hobby lobby seems to have a terrible search function because I'm pretty sure they have Q-Tips in a variety of sizes/types.   Then you have tool vendors like: https://www.micro-tools.com/

Basically lot so places but you can't search for Cue tips nor Q-tips.   Instead you need to search for swabs.

[oPossum]

https://www.chemtronics.com/swabs-and-applicators

[Segasonicfan]

Thank you everyone, this is all so amazingly helpful!!
 

P.s. edited title to reflect proper Q

[Zeyneb]

Like the suggestion by wizard69. I purchased these Foam Cleaning Swabs from Chinco at amazon.com. And I love them for cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and other solvents. Great for cleaning in all those tiny recesses on car parts for example.They can absorb quite an amount of solvent. So I was able to clean a larger area than I had expected. I would suggest to look at the sizes and shapes and select the best for your application. Also the foam can tolerate quite some abuse before it breaks off the handle.

Enjoy cleaning with them!

[dcbrown73]

I use Anti-Static Brushes and Kimtech anti-static / lint Wipes.