Quickest way to salvage components off scrap PCBs?

TheDrewster

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So I have around 6-7 physically damaged Dig Dug, Pac Man and a couple other PCBs that I want to salvage the TTL's and other components off of. I dont want to keep tripping over the boards, so I want to rip the components off, put them in an organizer, and pitch the boards. Whats the quickest way to get the components off without sucking the solder one pin at a time or using miles and miles of desoldering braid?
 
If the PCBs are trash and being thrown out, you can go the torch route. Do it outside and work over a sheet of plywood to catch the parts (tap the board after blasting the backside) and all the molten solder.
 
I have to try that torch method on some busted vcr pcbs I have. Too bad my torch has map gas..

I was thinking about trying the heat gun and toaster oven too.
 
I use a paint reomoving heat gun. I put the gun on high, but to keep the gun from scorching the board, you have to :

- Keep the gun moving
- Work in an area only three or four inches square at a time
- Let the board heat up for about 90 seconds before you attempt to knock any parts out

If it's a board I don't want to run the risk of accidentally damaging, I use a desoldering iron for through hole and Chip Quik for SMD stuff.

Brian.
 
I used to have one of those. It's good for quick removal, but it ruins the chip (way too much heat). The OP is looking for the opposite... he wants the chips, and doesn't care about the PCB.

I second (or third) the blowtorch method. If you dont care about the board it works really well.
 
I agree, I would like to see the torch in action. I have been using a cheapo Harbor Freight heat gun and its slow going
 
Yeah Randy Fromm also mentions the torch method in his Big Blue Book. I have a Casino Games board that I could try this technique on. :D
 
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