MG Chemicals 426-NS, Super Wick #4 Blue, Static Free, No Clean, 2.5mm, Case of 10
MG Chemicals 426-NS, Super Wick #4 Blue, Static Free, No Clean, 2.5mm, Case of 10
MG Chemicals 426-NS No-Clean Superwick is blue-coded #4 desoldering braid, 2.5 mm wide, supplied on nominal 5 ft ESD-safe bobbins. Its tightly woven, oxide-free copper is coated with high-activation-temperature no-clean flux to draw molten solder away from surface solder joints during PCB repair. This listing supplies a case of ten bobbins.
Best Uses / Applications
- PCB surface solder cleanup during benchtop repair and service.
- Surface-mount touch-up where 2.5 mm braid fits the joint and available clearance.
- General-purpose desoldering with a qualified iron-and-braid process.
- ESD-controlled repair stations requiring ESD-safe bobbin packaging, alongside normal workstation controls.
Application limitation: Although the manufacturer overview mentions through-hole repair, its application instructions say braid works best on surface solder and is not recommended for solder inside plated-through holes.
Key Features
- Oxide-free, tightly woven copper for fast wicking and reduced dwell time.
- High-activation-temperature no-clean flux.
- Manufacturer-reported non-conductive, non-corrosive residue.
- Blue #4 identification, 2.5 mm width and nominal 5 ft length.
- ESD-safe bobbins, unlike the family's 50 ft spools.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / part number | MG Chemicals / 426-NS |
| Family | 400-NS Series No-Clean Superwick |
| Width | 2.5 mm / nominal 0.10 in. |
| Length per bobbin | 5 ft nominal / manufacturer table approximately 1.5 m |
| Color / size | Blue / #4 |
| Package quantity | Case of 10 bobbins |
| Bobbin ESD safe? | Yes, per manufacturer packaging table |
| Braid material | Tightly woven, oxide-free copper |
| Flux classification, TDS | R (Rosin), ROL0 |
| Flux content, TDS | Less than 5% |
| Residue | Non-conductive and non-corrosive, manufacturer reported |
| Cleaning, TDS property table | Recommended |
| Shelf life | 10 years |
| Storage | 22–27°C, dry and away from sunlight and moisture; shrink wrapping recommended for extended storage |
| Document dates | TDS September 30, 2025; SDS September 25, 2025, version 4.01 |
Compare No-Clean Superwick Packages
| Part | Width / color | Length | ESD-safe packaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| 424-NS | 1.5 mm / Yellow | 5 ft | Yes |
| 424-NS-10FT | 1.5 mm / Yellow | 10 ft | Yes |
| 425-NS | 2.0 mm / Green | 5 ft | Yes |
| 453-NS | 2.0 mm / Green | 50 ft | No |
| 426-NS | 2.5 mm / Blue | 5 ft | Yes |
| 426-NS-10FT | 2.5 mm / Blue | 10 ft | Yes |
| 454-NS | 2.5 mm / Blue | 50 ft | No |
Select braid width to fit the solder area. Choose length and packaging separately: the 10 ft blue bobbin is ESD safe, while the 50 ft blue spool is not. Standard 426 uses a different flux formulation; use the exact family's technical documents rather than assuming NS specifications apply.
Use and Residue Management
- Remove conformal coating and contamination from the work area.
- Set the iron according to the qualified assembly process. For lead-free solder, the TDS suggests starting at about 315°C and adjusting as needed.
- Place braid on the solder and apply the iron tip to the braid, avoiding adjacent components.
- When wicking ends, lift the iron and braid together.
- Trim used braid, allow cooling and repeat as required.
- Complete residue cleaning and inspection according to the assembly process.
No-clean clarification: The manufacturer's introduction says the non-conductive, non-corrosive residue does not need cleaning. However, the same TDS recommends cleaning in its property table and includes removal of accumulated flux in its instructions. Follow your validated process rather than treating “no-clean” as a universal instruction to leave residue. Additional compatible flux can be used when appropriate to the process.
Safety and Handling
The SDS identifies rosin-related respiratory and skin sensitization hazards. Avoid breathing fumes, provide appropriate ventilation, use protective equipment and review the full SDS before use. Do not use brazing, torch soldering or torch welding methods with this braid. Used braid and solder can remain hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is MG Chemicals 426-NS?
It is blue #4 braid, 2.5 mm wide, supplied on nominal 5 ft bobbins.
How many bobbins are included?
This listing supplies a case of ten 5 ft bobbins.
Is the bobbin ESD safe?
Yes. The manufacturer packaging table marks 426-NS as ESD safe. The bobbin does not replace the rest of your workstation's ESD controls.
How is it different from 426-NS-10FT?
The width and NS family are the same. 426-NS provides 5 ft per bobbin, while 426-NS-10FT provides 10 ft. Both use ESD-safe bobbins.
Is the 50 ft blue spool also ESD safe?
No. The manufacturer marks 454-NS, the 50 ft blue package, as not ESD safe.
Does no-clean mean cleaning is never required?
No. The TDS recommends cleaning and includes a cleaning step despite its introductory no-clean statement. Follow your assembly's residue requirements.
Can I use it to clear plated-through holes?
The manufacturer application instructions do not recommend braid for solder inside plated-through holes. It works best on surface solder.
What is the shelf life?
The TDS lists ten years with appropriate storage. Keep dry at 22–27°C, away from sunlight and moisture; shrink wrapping is recommended for extended storage.
Technical and Safety Documents
MG Chemicals 400-NS Series Technical Data Sheet
MG Chemicals 400-NS Series Safety Data Sheet
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