Silicone and others

[lowell]

Silicone works great for a lot of cases where big caps and whatnot need to be physically stable. Is there another goop/glue that dries faster and harder than silicone and isn't conductive? I'm having trouble using the silicone for keeping wires affixed where they meet the pcb. I see stuff in different amps and pedals used but am not sure what it is.

[nashvillebill]

Hot melt glue. The gun is less than $10 at Walmart, the sticks are a few bucks for a big pack. Note: there's low-temp and high-temp glue sticks. Use the high-temp, and make sure the gun is high-temp too.

[lowell]

Good call... sheesh, sometimes I miss the most obvious solutions.

[Chuck H]

Is clear silicone conductive??? I can see where black could be, but clear? I don't know because I never use the stuff. But I am interested in whether clear silicon is conductive.

[lowell]

Not the stuff i get at the hardware store.

[Enzo]

No, clear, 100% silicone is not conductive. I have used it for decades. I don;t think Lowell was implying it was, he wanted a fast drying alternative, that of course also had to be non-conductive.

[Gtr_tech]

Silicone is fine for most component hold-down/dampening. Just make sure its not of the acetic acid variety. That shit *is* conductive until it is fully cured. Even after that its questionable since it emits small amts of acetic acid. Neutral cure silicone (electronics grade) is the best for electronics use. It doesn't have that strong vinegar type smell typical of acetic acid.

[Chuck H]

Is there another goop/glue that dries faster and harder than silicone and isn't conductive? I'm having trouble using the silicone for keeping wires affixed where they meet the pcb.

Yeah, I took this to mean a non conductive, fast drying alternative for use on the board. I HAVE used silicone (which is why I was suddenly concearned) but I typically don't. Someday if I start having trouble with rattling parts I may start using it. I do know about the different grades of silicone because of my day job.

I've seen the hot melt glue in a lot of amps. It seems to stay put but remain a little flexible. And when it's time to repair the hot melt is much easier to remove than silicone. As long as it's not on actual PCB traces you can usually snap it off with fine needle nose pliers and a nut pick. Two of my favorite soldering tools.

[Enzo]

Hit the hot melt with some freeze spray and it turns brittle. You can easily shatter it. SO easy removal.

Silicone or hot melt isn;t about part rattle. It is about keeping the larger parts from vibrating and cracking their solder.

[überfuzz]

Off topic, slightly...

You can use cable ties when arranging wires, fix together, fix to boards etc.. If you're in tight closed areas it's possible to use some kinds of insulation strips.

[Chuck H]

Silicone or hot melt isn;t about part rattle. It is about keeping the larger parts from vibrating and cracking their solder.

I'll predict this is bound to be more of an issue with lead free solders (IMHE). Maybe it's time I got on board.

[Enzo]

Ah yes, will the RoHS solder crack before it grows whiskers and shorts. An interesting puzzle to ponder.