How do you remove chips from a PCB?

[shane7951]

Thanks everyone for the tips! So I need to go easy on each side to get the legs out without bending them and then put in the new chips. Is there anything I'm missing?

 

[horseboy]

I use a screwdriver. The paint can opener is brilliant though, so I might be making a switch.

 

[KevinMullins]

I personally dislike any puller that attempts to yank a DIP all at once.

I agree with that.... I've tried some of those before and most just plain suck. But most of all you don't feel like you have much control with those. That's why I like the PLCC type puller, you still have that sense of control because you are the one doing the "pulling". If a chip is stuck a little somewhere you still have the opportunity to stop and access the situation before yanking the bajeevus out of it like those one shot wonder pullers.
They're nice in theory, but I have seen more damage done by them than good.

Here's an example of one......

 

[Paul Olson]

I finally found the remote for my camera, so I decided it was time to test out the tripod. Here is a short video showing a couple of the pullers mentioned in this thread. I have no experience with the camera...and it shows, but hopefully the video will give you a sense of how well these tools work.

 

[channelmanic]

If you have a vise at home you can take a cheap pocket screwdriver... the type that folks used to give away with their business info printed on it... and bend it in the shape of that fancy screwdriver looking chip puller.

It works just as well and is Cheap Bastard Approved (TM)

Oh, and if you want that nifty slot in it just cut it with a dremel's cut off wheel or use a hacksaw BEFORE you put the bend in it using the vise.