John, Each to his own choices, but I would NEVER use a drill of any sort in a thru-plated hole Even if the trace is only on one side (particularly on the component side), I would not take the chance. Consider the situation where the PC trace is only on the component side of the board - you would normally solder on the opposite side, but if the thru-plated hole has been damaged, you must be aware that the lead must be soldered on the component side to complete the circuit - that is often difficult if the component is something like an electrolytic capacitor that sits right down on the board and you cannot solder under it. The only cure is to repair the break with point to point wire.
73, Don W3FPR On 9/13/2011 9:18 AM, John Ragle wrote: > A tiny drill-bit can be used to clear > remaining solder out of the holes, BUT BE CAREFUL not to cut away the > actual hole plating, as this may break a needed connection between the > top and bottom layers of the PC board. I use a "pin vise" for this kind > of operation, not a Dremel or other power device. > > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
