SterlingRush
Well-known member
Great advice mentioned in this thread, most important words spoken though, "test on a junk board". Practice and learn your technique on a bad board, before attempting work on something you are trying to repair. Use that to learn the limits of your tool, and how to properly desolder trouble spots. Any solder I remove, I always add fresh solder to it first, makes it much easier to remove.
For the points where the leg is bent over to the side, I put my tip right next to the side of the leg, let the heat liquefy all of the solder, then suck it up. You'll see when the solder completely melts, that is your moment to remove it. If needed, add just a touch of solder, and make a second attempt. Fresh solder, clean tips, and good suction. If I have a leg still giving me trouble, I use a small set of needle nose pliers while applying heat with my soldering iron. All of these attempts should be done within seconds, anything beyond that, give the board/traces/ect time to cool down, so that you are not causing more damage.
Solder is realatively cheap, and junk boards are your friend. I buy a pound of Kester 63/37 0.040" solder at a time, and it lasts for quite a while. Make it easier, and get the spool holder for it as well.
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/KESTER-SOLDER-24-6337-0039-/21-1832
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/PRO'SKIT-8PK-033ST-/21-6800
For the points where the leg is bent over to the side, I put my tip right next to the side of the leg, let the heat liquefy all of the solder, then suck it up. You'll see when the solder completely melts, that is your moment to remove it. If needed, add just a touch of solder, and make a second attempt. Fresh solder, clean tips, and good suction. If I have a leg still giving me trouble, I use a small set of needle nose pliers while applying heat with my soldering iron. All of these attempts should be done within seconds, anything beyond that, give the board/traces/ect time to cool down, so that you are not causing more damage.
Solder is realatively cheap, and junk boards are your friend. I buy a pound of Kester 63/37 0.040" solder at a time, and it lasts for quite a while. Make it easier, and get the spool holder for it as well.
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/KESTER-SOLDER-24-6337-0039-/21-1832
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/PRO'SKIT-8PK-033ST-/21-6800

