Best Reuseable Flux Pen for 0603 components?

[Hootis Tigglebits]

Looking for suggestions on a refillable Flux Pen with a tip suitable for 0603 components.  I'm currently using the Hakko FS-210 as linked below.  I like the diameter and fine point brush tip that allows me to use a minimal amount of flux, but it's lacking in build quality.

https://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fs210_fs211.html

[thm_w]

I assume you've tried paste flux in a syringe with a fine tip and don't like it?
Or a small squeeze bottle (big clive style)?

Looks like similar thing here for $2: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806458874298.html

Maybe look around for alternate hobbies like painting, cuticle pen, etc.: https://www.holotaco.com/products/nail-oil-pen

[aeberbach]

I have about a 500ml bottle of flux and I refill a paintbrush pen using a disposable pipette. Works fine as long as you do not put the nylon brush on anything hot. Probably exactly like your Hakko pen without the logo and price!

[Hootis Tigglebits]

I assume you've tried paste flux in a syringe with a fine tip and don't like it?

I just use paste flux on wires, I think it would be too much for my application, but I'll give it a shot tomorrow.

Looks like similar thing here for $2: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806458874298.html

Thanks, that looks nearly identical to the hakko!

I have about a 500ml bottle of flux and I refill a paintbrush pen using a disposable pipette. Works fine as long as you do not put the nylon brush on anything hot. Probably exactly like your Hakko pen without the logo and price!

The entire screw on tip looks identical to the Hakko.

[tooki]

I have about a 500ml bottle of flux and I refill a paintbrush pen using a disposable pipette. Works fine as long as you do not put the nylon brush on anything hot. Probably exactly like your Hakko pen without the logo and price!

They are not. The Hakko (which is a rebadged Bonkote Bon Pen) has a valve inside, which those watercolor brushes lack.

Also, the watercolor brushes don’t always hold up to the solvents in flux. I tried (even good quality name brand) watercolor brushes and they became leaky fairly quickly. Additionally, they aren’t ESD-safe.

Looks like similar thing here for $2: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806458874298.html

Thanks, that looks nearly identical to the hakko!

The counterfeit Bonkote pens have a terrible reputation, becoming leaky much faster than the real ones, and not dosing the liquid well.


See also: https://www.bonkote.co.jp/en/bonpen
and
https://www.bonkote.co.jp/en/counterfeit-goods

P.S. I have a strong suspicion that the actual physical manufacturer of the Bon Pen is Pentel, since they look identical to the Pentel Art Brush/Color Brush/Colour Brush, but with customized tips and ESD-safe materials tested to withstand solvents.