Liquid solder Flux.

[BrotherJavafiend]

When I was in the Navy doing the Aviation Electronics repair, I got the pleasure of learning how to solder. Now that I have been out for a while, I have rediscovered the joy of soldering. But now I am on the search for of  the tools that I had while in the service. One of the items that I miss is the liquid flux that I used, I BELIEVE (or I am just delusional), that I was using Kester 186 (In a liquid format), does anyone know? I ask this because I have tried several Paste fluxes and I am really not a fan. I love the ease and control-ability of a the liquid flux in a precision needle dispenser. Also does anyone know where I can get 4-8 oz, I don't really feel the need to buy a gallon or more.

Thanks in advance for the assistance.

[nanofrog]

Really any quality rosin based or no-clean flux will work well.  But Kester 186-18 (lower solids version), standard 186 (RMA, but borders on RA), and 1544 (RA) are my favorites.  Unfortunately, the smallest bottle Kester sells is 1gal. 

So Kester's disposable pens are the only viable size they offer for hobbyists. Another member has resorted to using pliers to remove the cap containing the felt tip and pour it into a brush bottle (like those used for finger nail polish). Plenty of other types of dispensers you can try as well, such as a refillable brush pen (i.e. Bonkote BON-102; my favorite, so there's some bias here  ). Upside is you can be sure you get genuine product (assumes bought from a distributor), and the dispensing method of your choice.  The downside is the disposable pens are expensive (cost per fluid volume). 

Another method that can get you the above advantages at a lower cost, is to do a group buy and split up a gallon.

There are also eBay sellers that break down gallon containers into small bottles, but there's a greater risk of getting a counterfeit/cheap substitution (I made a trial purchase of 186 from a store called Dickie's Garage Sale, and it seems genuine <smell & performance>).

Beyond this, you'd need to change to a different brand that sells liquid flux in small bottles suitable for hobbyists. For the US market, MG Chemicals 835 is an excellent quality RA flux that works very well (they offer 4.2oz/125ml & 1L sizes), and is far more cost effective than the pens (i.e. 4.2oz size is ~$9). FWIW, All-Spec is really good for supplies and tools, and they have excellent pricing and reasonable shipping (usually the lowest price on solder, such as Kester 44, so you might want to bookmark their site). 

Another useful company to keep in mind would be CML Supply (they also have an eBay store), as they break down Kester RF741 tacky gel flux and EP256 solder paste (Sn63/Pb37) into hobbyist friendly sized syringes.  They also produce their own disposable pens using Kester flux, and IIRC, they're a bit cheaper if you want to get it this way instead.

[KL27x]

Rosin fluxes are the only that can meet mil spec. Get a mil spec rosin flux, either RMA or RA, and you will have the same stuff you are used to.

I dislike no clean for general use. Rosin is pretty ok to clean or not as you choose. No clean residue can react badly to common solvents. Mil spec flux is good stuff.

[Flump]

I use this stuff, really like it, they do a gel in a syringe but thats pretty crap
it does not wet aswell and is bit harder to clean off after

but the liquid is good
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121054733532?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[BrotherJavafiend]

Thanks for all your help, ordered the MG-835 in the hobbyist friendly size, the up side is that it is MIL-F-14256 complaint. I do not mind scrubbing my boards under a jewelers inspection glasses, it gives me time to inspect my handiwork. I also got a nice applicator bottle.

BTW anyone know where I can get a decent solder extractor without breaking the bank?

Have a great day...

[helius]

BTW anyone know where I can get a decent solder extractor without breaking the bank?

Hakko desoldering tools are very dependable and fully serviceable. You should be able to find a used, but working 808 for under $100.

[KL27x]

Very awesome solder suckers are
1. OK/Jonard DP-100
2. Soldapult, any of them but the 3 might be the best design yet.

These guys are easier and cheaper to maintain/clean than desoldering irons. Even if u get a desoldering iron you will still want one of these.

Been through two or three cheapo suckers and regret all the time and effort wasted. These tools work better than most desoldering irons, even.