So you're a maker? You design and build your own PCBs? You want to design and build your own PCBs? You need to stay clean and stay safe with these three products:
These will come in very handy when:
- You receive your freshly minted PCBs and need to give them a good clean before using. Dip the brush in IPA and give the surface a good scrub, wiping up the excess with a lint-free tissue. Don't forget the bottom side - the world loves a clean bottom.
- You've soldered that board up and found it covered with nasty, nasty flux residue. Again, use that brush with IPA. The hard bristles will get right in-between the pins of your SMD components and the tissue will soak it all up without leaving any mess.
The bristles are hard enough to give a good scrubbing action but flexible enough not to damage anything. A top tip is to use the brush through the tissue as they are tough enough to resist the bristles and can pull up the IPA/flux mix. Place the tissue where you want to clean, dip the brush in IPA, and apply on top of the tissue.
I've found that it's possible to get a really clean PCB surface using these items. The brush and bristles are robust and the tissues seem to last forever - you don't need to use a whole one if you don't need to. I've even used them to clean a dismantled, industrial relay. Don't forget to wear protective gloves when using IPA as it's not good for your health; I haven't specified these due to hand sizing and allergies but Farnell stocks a wide variety.
