[Elecraft] KSB2 screw up --

[Don Wilhelm]

John,

Each to his own choices, but I would NEVER use a drill of any sort in a 
thru-plated hole  Even if the trace is only on one side (particularly on 
the component side), I would not take the chance.  Consider the 
situation where the PC trace is only on the component side of the board 
- you would normally solder on the opposite side, but if the thru-plated 
hole has been damaged, you must be aware that the lead must be soldered 
on the component side to complete the circuit - that is often difficult 
if the component is something like an electrolytic capacitor that sits 
right down on the board and you cannot solder under it.  The only cure 
is to repair the break with point to point wire.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/13/2011 9:18 AM, John Ragle wrote:
>      A tiny drill-bit can be used to clear
> remaining solder out of the holes, BUT BE CAREFUL not to cut away the
> actual hole plating, as this may break a needed connection between the
> top and bottom layers of the PC board. I use a "pin vise" for this kind
> of operation, not a Dremel or other power device.
>
>