flux, how important?

[gawl47]

Basicly I wanted to get started with the USB charge mod only to find out that the Radioshack in my area is out of flux, and they have no idea when they are getting some more.

From what I understand (and vaguely remember) flux is used to clean the contacts prior to soldering, but a lot of the tutorials that I've seen (none here) just say to scrap the contact with a knife or small wire brush. 

[Tec_]

it makes your contacts more accepting to the solder, but its not necessary just makes things easer

[lewson]

Ive never used it, and im fine. so i guess it isnt important.

[gawl47]

Cool, thanks for the help.

[sakobatoneko]

i also went to radioshack and they didnt know when they where going to get some but one of the workers there was nice enough to go to another radioshack and bought some for me. its very useful to make a clean look when you finish. 

[TheMagnolia]

Flux is a paste which contains small particles flux and also lead.  It helps solder adhere to whatever it is you're soldering.  It's an absolute essential.

What's really important: USE ELECTRICAL SOLDER.

Reason why I say this is because larger stores like Walmart sell both, and if you get plumbing solder (which may be acidic) it will eat through whatever it is you're soldering).