Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

I'm looking for an adhesive for mounting SMT components, especially caps and resistors, on hobby circuit boards.

In the past I've used silicone caulking applied with a tooth pick. But some of my small components make it difficult to apply adhesive without compromising the cleanliness of the solder pads.

Are there other adhesive options?

I remember one builder who would spray the board with lacquer and just mount components by soldering right through the finish. I suppose wet lacquer would make a good adhesive, though it dries quickly. I don't know if lacquer would contaminate the solder joint.

I've also used the standard "tin one pad then solder component end" process. I use a "Blu-Stick" type clay called "All Stick" on the tip of a tooth pick. It works but my components don't always end up with precise alignment.