Okay to use brush on circuit boards?

[iluvdeal]

Bought a air duster can yesterday and it came with a brush, just wondering is it okay to use that brush direcly on all the components? Thanks.

 

[w74656]

shouldn't be a problem unless the brush is really stiff -hard enougn to break the traces and pins

 

[Noriaki]

I used to dust my PCI cards with a model paintbrush.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea but it's never given me any trouble.

 

[bacillus]

be aware that brushing your electronic components can build up static electricity & potentially cause a spark which can damage sensitive electronic components! :Q

 

[chuckieland]

i just use aircompressor

 

[jamarno]

Heed Bacillus - it's very easy to generate enough static with a brush to do damage, and even blowing compressed air can do this, according to an old technical bulletin I once read. The safest thing to do would be spray the board with electronic parts cleaner, but any cleaning is rarely necessary, and you're better off just letting the dust build or blow it off occasionally.

 

[ArchAngel777]

ESD is way over-rated......

You can blow out a chip, but only if your a moron.

I handle all my computer stuff with care, but at work, you should see some of the stuff our system builders do...... We all pretty much agree that basic care and common sence will keep computer equipment in top notch working order.

 

[Quickfingerz]

I don't think you can produce a significant discharge of static during brushing of a PC component. So you are pretty safe. Rubbing your feet on a dry carpet for a few seconds then touching a component with a brush is a different story.