Desoldering is the process of removing solder from a joint using a desoldering tool. It’s often used in electronics when a component needs to be removed or when a solder joint needs to be reworked.
It’s a daunting task for beginners but with the right tools and techniques, you can be a pro at it.
In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know to get started.
In this post we'll cover:
- Desoldering: A Beginner’s Guide
- Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Desolder Your Components
- Mastering the Art of Desoldering: Tips and Tricks
- Tools of the Trade: What You Need for Desoldering
- Mastering the Art of Desoldering: Techniques You Need to Know
- The Desoldering Wick: A Simple and Effective Means of Removing Excess Solder
- Conclusion
Desoldering: A Beginner’s Guide
Desoldering is the process of removing unwanted or excess solder from a circuit board or electrical component. This technique is commonly used in the manufacture and repair of electronic devices. It entails removing connections between different components or pins on a circuit board or other metal bodies.
What Tools and Techniques are Needed for Desoldering?
To perform desoldering, you will need the following tools and techniques:
- A desoldering iron or a soldering iron with a desoldering tip
- Desoldering wick or a desoldering pump
- A cloth to clean the tip of the iron
- A dry cloth to clean the board after desoldering
- A stand to hold the iron when not in use
How to Desolder Safely and Correctly?
Desoldering can be a complex process, so it’s important to be careful and follow these steps to ensure optimum results:
- Choose the correct desoldering tool depending on your needs
- Check the number of pins and the size of the section that needs to be removed
- Be careful not to damage the board or the component while desoldering
- Use the desoldering tool to heat the solder until it gets hot enough to melt
- Apply the desoldering wick or pump to remove excess solder
- Clean the tip of the iron with a cloth after each use
- Use a dry cloth to clean the board after desoldering
What are the Different Methods of Desoldering?
There are two main methods of desoldering:
- Desoldering with a desoldering iron or a soldering iron with a desoldering tip
- Desoldering with a desoldering pump or a desoldering wick
Using a desoldering iron or a soldering iron with a desoldering tip is a simpler and safer method, making it ideal for novice users. However, using a desoldering pump or a desoldering wick is a more complex method that requires more skill and experience.
What are the Tips for Successful Desoldering?
To successfully desolder, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be patient and take your time
- Apply the desoldering tool to the solder for a few seconds before removing it
- Make sure the tip of the iron is clean and dry before use
- Choose the right desoldering tool for the job
- Be careful not to damage the board or the component while desoldering
Desoldering can be a daunting task, but with the right tools, techniques, and tips, it can be a simple and effective way to remove unwanted or excess solder from a circuit board or electrical component.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Desolder Your Components
Desoldering is a crucial skill for any proficient soldering veteran. One of the most common reasons for desoldering is to salvage faulty components. When a component fails, it’s often due to a fault in the solder joint. By removing the faulty component, you can examine the solder joint and determine if it needs to be reworked. If the joint is fine, you can reuse the component in future projects.
Removing the Wrong Component
Another common reason for desoldering is to remove the wrong component. It’s easy to make mistakes when soldering, especially when working with older boards that have many components. Desoldering allows you to reverse those mistakes and remove the wrong component without damaging the board.
Reusing Soldered Components
Desoldering also allows you to reuse soldered components. If you have a component that you want to use in a different project, you can desolder it from its current location and reuse it elsewhere. This can save you money and time, as you won’t have to buy a new component.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Desoldering can be a messy process, but with the right tools and technique, you can avoid common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you desolder like a pro:
- Use a desoldering wick or braided copper to aid in removing the solder.
- Apply flux to the joint to help the solder flow more easily.
- Heat the joint evenly to avoid damaging the board.
- Clean the joint after desoldering to remove any remaining flux or solder.
Mastering the Art of Desoldering: Tips and Tricks
When it comes to desoldering, having the right tools is crucial. Here are some tips to consider when buying desoldering tools:
- Look for a desoldering iron with a temperature control feature. This will allow you to adjust the heat according to the component you are working on.
- Consider buying a desoldering pump or plunger. These tools suck up molten solder easily and quickly.
- Desoldering wicks are also a great tool to have on hand. They absorb molten solder and can be used to remove excess solder from a PCB.
Preparing for Desoldering
Before you start desoldering, there are a few things you should do to prepare:
- Heat up your desoldering iron to the appropriate temperature.
- Apply flux to the component you want to remove. This will help the solder melt more easily.
- Use a metal tip on your desoldering iron. Metal tips conduct heat better than other materials, making the heating process more efficient.
Desoldering Techniques
When it comes to desoldering, there are two major approaches: heating and removing. Here are some tips for each approach:
- Heating: Apply heat to the solder joint until the solder melts. Then, quickly press the button on your desoldering pump or plunger to suck up the molten solder.
- Removing: Dip your desoldering wick into flux and place it on the solder joint. Heat the wick with your desoldering iron until the solder melts and is absorbed by the wick.
Tools of the Trade: What You Need for Desoldering
When it comes to desoldering, there are various tools that you can use to get the job done. Here are some of the most common types of desoldering tools:
- Soldering Iron: This is a heated tool that melts the solder, allowing you to remove the component from the circuit board. It’s important to use the correct tip size and heat setting to prevent damage to the board or component.
- Desoldering Pump: Also known as a solder sucker, this tool uses suction to remove molten solder from the board. It’s a popular choice for creating short bursts of suction to remove small amounts of solder.
- Desoldering Wick/Braid: This is a braided copper wire that is placed on the soldered connections and heated with a soldering iron. The wire sucks up the molten solder and solidifies it, allowing it to be discarded.
- Tweezers: These are small, high-quality tools that can help you pick up and remove components from the board without damaging them.
The Best Desoldering Tools for Your Needs
Choosing the right desoldering tool for your needs can be a bit overwhelming, but here are some factors to consider:
- Quality: Investing in high-quality tools can make the desoldering process much easier and more efficient.
- Type of Component: Different components require different methods of removal, so consider the type of component you’re working with when choosing a tool.
- Surface Area: If you’re working with a large surface area, a desoldering pump or vacuum may be the best option.
- Length of Wire: If you’re working with wires, a desoldering wick or braid may be the best option to prevent damage to the wire.
The Importance of Using the Correct Desoldering Tool
Using the correct desoldering tool is crucial to prevent damage to the board or component. Here are some tips to help you choose the right tool:
- Consider the type of component you’re working with.
- Think about the surface area you’re working with.
- Choose a tool that is appropriate for the length of wire you’re working with.
- Always follow the correct desoldering process to prevent damage to the board or component.
Mastering the Art of Desoldering: Techniques You Need to Know
Technique #1: Apply heat
Desoldering is all about removing the existing solder from a joint so that you can replace or salvage a defective component. The first technique involves applying heat to the joint to melt the solder. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the tip of your soldering iron on the joint and let it heat up for a few seconds.
- Once the solder starts to melt, remove the iron and use a desoldering pump to suck up the molten solder.
- Repeat the process until all the solder is removed.
Technique #2: Using Desoldering Braid
Another popular technique for desoldering is using desoldering braid. This is a thin copper wire that is coated with flux and is used to wick away the molten solder. Here’s how to use it:
- Place the desoldering braid on top of the joint you want to remove the solder from.
- Apply heat to the braid with your soldering iron until the solder melts and is absorbed into the braid.
- Remove the braid and repeat the process until all the solder is removed.
Technique #3: Combination Technique
Sometimes, a combination of techniques is required to remove stubborn solder. Here’s how to do it:
- Apply heat to the joint with your soldering iron.
- While the solder is molten, use a desoldering pump to remove as much solder as possible.
- Place desoldering braid on the remaining solder and apply heat until it is absorbed into the braid.
- Repeat the process until all the solder is removed.
Remember, desoldering requires patience and practice. With these techniques, you’ll be able to salvage existing components and replace defective ones like a pro!
The Desoldering Wick: A Simple and Effective Means of Removing Excess Solder
The desoldering wick works by absorbing the excess solder through capillary action. When heat is applied to the solder, it becomes liquid and is wicked up by the braided copper strands in the wick. The solder is then wicked away from the component, leaving it clean and ready for removal.
Advantages of Using a Desoldering Wick
Using a desoldering wick has several advantages over other methods of removing excess solder, including:
- It is a simple and inexpensive tool that can be easily acquired.
- It allows for precise cleaning of PCB pads, terminals, and component leads.
- It is a non-destructive method of removing excess solder, meaning that the component is less likely to be damaged during the process.
- It is a quick and efficient method of removing excess solder.
In conclusion, the desoldering wick is a valuable tool for anyone involved in soldering and desoldering components. With a little practice, it can be easily mastered and used to quickly and effectively remove excess solder from any component.
Conclusion
So there you have it- the ins and outs of desoldering. It’s a tricky process, but with the right tools and techniques, you can do it like a pro.
Now you know how to desolder, you can save money and time by salvaging faulty components and reusing them in future projects.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.
