[Coco] Sort of OT: Recapping

[Bruce W. Calkins]

Air tight, nonflammable and won't degrade by the solvent.

Bruce W.


On 12/1/20 5:03 PM, Salvador Garcia via Coco wrote:
>   I am curious as to why you are recommending the metal can for disposal of the q-tips.
> 
> Thanks! Salvador
> 
>      On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, 12:55:30 PM CST, Andrew <keeper63 at cox.net> wrote:
>   
>   Regarding the use of acetone, q-tips, etc - just throwing in my 2 pennies:
> 
> First off - no problems with the acetone idea, though I'd probably try
> 90+% isopropyl first, but that's just me (it's what you can use to make
> liquid flux - just mix in rosin chips).
> 
> Anyhow, if you throw the q-tips away, like Gene said, put 'em in a metal
> can - but also I would add, use one with a lid - ideally a metal
> compression lid, like a cookie tin or something (you can get nice ones
> that would be perfect at the dollar store if you don't have one - or an
> empty and clean paint can can also work, although the lids on those are
> a real pain to get off).
> 
> Regarding using q-tips: In my experience, such things work, but tend to
> "catch" on thru-hole leads - and then you have to clean the cotton
> fibers off! Not really a huge deal, but something to think about.
> 
> Instead, while you're at the dollar store look for small eyeliner sponge
> sticks (ask your wife, she'll probably know what I mean) - they are like
> a little stick with a small sponge wedge on the end. They don't tend to
> grab or shed like the swabs.
> 
> While they are disposable, they can be re-used. Since the job is tiny,
> just save a plastic bottle cap from a soda bottle (or something small
> like that), and use a medicine dropper to fill the cap, then dip the
> brush from that (to avoid contaminating the main container). Then when
> done, wipe the sponge brush on a small piece of paper towel, and dispose
> of the towel in the metal can (reuse the towel next time, too). When the
> brush is no longer any good (it won't shed like the swabs, but it will
> eventually wear out), toss it in the can too, and grab another.
> 
> Andrew L. Ayers
> Glendale, Arizona
> phoenixgarage.org
> github.com/andrew-ayers
>