HP Forum Archive 13

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What to use with Alcohol when cleaning PCBs? Message #1 Posted by Paul Brogger on 23 May 2003, 1:31 p.m. I've been using Q-tips with 90% isopropyl alcohol when cleaning contacts on PCBs, keyboard traces, etc. But that leaves strands of cotton all over. What do the experts recommend I use to apply the alcohol & "scrub" surfaces? (I assume something lint-free -- lens tissue?) Thanks . . .

Re: What to use with Alcohol when cleaning PCBs? Message #2 Posted by Randy Sloyer on 23 May 2003, 2:41 p.m., in response to message #1 by Paul Brogger Household Q-tips will do that. Industrial cotton swabs with wooden handles are less prone to that annoying habit, as the cotton is wound tighter and glued better. One place you can them order online: www.techni-tool.com Item 758CH016 $11.10 for 1000 pcs A Lab supply company should carry them as well. If you want to go all out, you can buy foam tipped swabs at 13X the cotton price. 758CH3160 $71.10 for 500 pcs..

Re: What to use with Alcohol when cleaning PCBs? Message #3 Posted by Gordon Dyer on 23 May 2003, 3:09 p.m., in response to message #1 by Paul Brogger I use lens tissues or lint free lens cloth.

Re: What to use with Alcohol when cleaning PCBs? Message #4 Posted by David Smith on 23 May 2003, 4:17 p.m., in response to message #1 by Paul Brogger The electronics industry uses "acid swabbing" brushes. These are made of bristles crimped into a hollow metal sleeve for a handle. Trim the bristles down to about 1/8 inch long. You can get them at many hardware stores, West Marine, and Harbor Freight Tools, etc.

Re: What to use with Alcohol when cleaning PCBs? Message #5 Posted by db(martinez,california) on 23 May 2003, 9:54 p.m., in response to message #1 by Paul Brogger us hillbillies use the old toothbrushes that we done wored out.

Re: Toothbrushes Message #6 Posted by gifron on 24 May 2003, 1:03 a.m., in response to message #5 by db(martinez,california) You knew the toothbrush was invented in Arkansas, didn't you? If it was invented anywhere else, it would have been called a teethbrush! Wacka, wacka, wacka! ;) ;) ;) But seriously, folks - We real hicks use a pocket knife to scrape each little leg till it's nice an' shiny. This method may not be very efficient, but at least there's a good chance you'll bend or break off a leg. Oh, you asked about alcohol. One of those little sponge "brushes" that comes in a mascara case, or a sponge wedge, also used in makeup application. These are just ideas - I haven't actually used either one, but they seem to have the right firmness, with no cotton fibers to worry about.

Re: What to use with Alcohol when cleaning PCBs? Message #7 Posted by David Smith on 24 May 2003, 7:58 p.m., in response to message #5 by db(martinez,california) Ya mean ya still got yer choppers! Some folk have all the luck.

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