[Coco] Sort of OT: Recapping

[Andrew]

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