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For context, I need to solder a wire onto a pcb. However, the pad was destroyed during demounting the original component (picture 1). The plan B is to solder the wire onto the copper trace next to the pad. I am however worried that
A) soldering alone won't be sufficient for a durable bond.
B) that the piece of exposed wire/trace might interfere with something.
At the same time I have this guy lying around (picture 2) and noticed that it also has wires soldered onto the board, with some glue(?) being used for, as I understand, similar reasons. What is this substance, and would it be suitable to use in my case?
Picture 2
I appreciate you tolerating my knowledge of electronics.
Thanks.
Best Answer
Carefully scrape the soldermask (the green stuff) off of the PCB trace that routes to the damaged through-hole. You can solder a wire directly onto that trace to form a good electrical connection, but it won't be a very durable mechanical connection. You need something, like glue or tape, to hold the wires in place and decouple mechanical stress from the solder joint. I typically use hot glue in this application because it's easy to work with and remove if needed.
The substance in the second image might be flux residue left from when the wires were soldered to the pads, but it's hard to tell. If you can wipe it off, it's probably flux residue.
As others have noted in the comments on your post, it appears there may be damage to the through hole. I would try to heat it up and fill it with solder. If the plated through-hole is thoroughly damaged, more serious repairs may be necessary. Through-hole repair kits are commercially available.