I wonder if I can use 70% vinegar in place of a solder flux for emergency repairs.
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1\$\begingroup\$ Does it even work? If it does, then I guess you can decide for yourself if vinegar on your electronics is acceptable in an emergency (I guess it would be). (And if it doesnt work I guess there is no point asking..) \$\endgroup\$– Wesley LeeCommented Nov 22, 2022 at 6:10
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\$\begingroup\$ Where does one even obtain 70% vinegar? Would you distill it from the 5% stuff? \$\endgroup\$– DrewCommented Nov 22, 2022 at 6:10
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1\$\begingroup\$ Also if you live where pines grow, maybe you could harvest the resin and use that? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resin_acid \$\endgroup\$– DrewCommented Nov 22, 2022 at 6:14
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4\$\begingroup\$ Virtually all solder "wire" you'll find commercially will have flux built in. What are you using that doesn't have flux? \$\endgroup\$– Kyle BCommented Nov 22, 2022 at 6:16
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1\$\begingroup\$ Vinegar is a solution of about 5 to 8 percent acetic acid. 70 percent vinegar, what is that? I am sure you cannot buy 70 percent acetic acid in the supermarket. It is a pretty corrosive substance. I would be hesitant to put it on a PCB, and if I did, I would want to wash it with copious amounts of water afterwards. \$\endgroup\$– user57037Commented Nov 22, 2022 at 7:07
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1 Answer
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Flux uses acid activators that reduces the oxide layer on solder which reduces the thermal conductivity while using a hand iron and also prevents the solder from melting.
Vinegar is an acid, but there are no other halogens in it, so it's likely to not be that effective. I don't think it would reduce the oxide layer much and seeing as how its produced by oxidizing ethanol. In addition if you did get it hot, seeing as how it's an organic compound, it would probably form a nasty carbon layer and make things worse.
I suppose you could experiment with it. I wouldn't suggest using it for anything reasonable.
answered Nov 22, 2022 at 6:39