Removing Machine Pin Sockets

You can skip the whole Dremel part by using a pair of fine-point wire cutters and just snipping the plastic in between each pin. The socket will crack between the pins, and then you can remove them the way it's listed the rest of the way thru the tutorial...
 
Sometimes it's necessary to remove even a good socket to check the status of traces underneath...
 
So machine sockets aren't a good thing to use? I've installed them, but never had to replace one in a board yet.. What sockets is recommended?
 
Machine pin sockets take a little more heat to remove which can cause trace lifting on some pcbs that have weak traces or have been overheated before. Are machine pin sockets better? Lets just say dual wipes are more than adequate in most cases.
 
You can skip the whole Dremel part by using a pair of fine-point wire cutters and just snipping the plastic in between each pin. The socket will crack between the pins, and then you can remove them the way it's listed the rest of the way thru the tutorial...

I've done it both ways, and I find the Dremel to be quicker and easier.
 
So machine sockets aren't a good thing to use? I've installed them, but never had to replace one in a board yet.. What sockets is recommended?

Machine pin sockets are the spawn of the devil. Like Riptor pointed out, machine pins are more likely to pull pads and traces. Every couple pins I generate a new cuss word.

I recommend the dual-wipe ladder-style sockets instead.
 
Judging by the obvious trace repair done before, a full socket probably shouldn't have been used.

Oh, and I agree with Mod. Using small wire clippers will quite effectively remove the plastic housing on machine sockets. It works on dual wipes too, but the break is much more clean with machine pin.
 
The only time I use a machine pin is when there is trace damage or thru hole plating damage which requires soldering on both sides. For this I use an open fram machine pin since it gives you access to the pins on the top side to solder to.
 
Awesome tutorial! I have found even with the desoldering station I like to remove sockets this way. After the socket and pins are removed here is where the desoldering stations really shine.

I bought these at the same time I bought my desoldering station:

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/22-8725

They are awesome! Low profile so you can cut things out pretty easily.

I typically use Machine pin sockets. So what do you think about SIP Strips? I have used them as well and like them quite a bit.
 
I typically use Machine pin sockets. So what do you think about SIP Strips? I have used them as well and like them quite a bit.

Meh they're still machine pin sockets. :p

I bought these at the same time I bought my desoldering station:

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/22-8725

They are awesome! Low profile so you can cut things out pretty easily.

I need to get me a pair of those! Right now I use a pair of small diags, and they work ok, but not as well as what you've got there.
 
Nice tutorial.

I would like to see one on removing chips whole on a board you want to save. I can always get the solder on the bottom out fine, but on top it doesn't want to come out.
 
Nice tutorial.

I would like to see one on removing chips whole on a board you want to save. I can always get the solder on the bottom out fine, but on top it doesn't want to come out.

The key - a BRAND NEW solder sucker. I was able to pull a 40 pin CPU chip off of a Data East pin board like butter and didn't even scratch a single trace or pad.
Flash forward to a few months later. Even after cleaning the solder sucker, I fail miserably salvaging a much smaller chip. Lost 3 solder pads, and broke the damn chip in half in frustration...

I most definitely want a nice vacuum desoldering station.
 
The key - a BRAND NEW solder sucker. I was able to pull a 40 pin CPU chip off of a Data East pin board like butter and didn't even scratch a single trace or pad.
Flash forward to a few months later. Even after cleaning the solder sucker, I fail miserably salvaging a much smaller chip. Lost 3 solder pads, and broke the damn chip in half in frustration...

I most definitely want a nice vacuum desoldering station.

What kind of soldapult are you using? I've got this one and I've used it on tons of sockets without problem. Worst case seems to be replacing the O-ring. It's important to keep it clean.

ds017.jpg


I've used some others that were kind of crappy. If you can't remove more than one 40 pin chip with it I would throw it in the garbage. It's really a matter of practice and experience. You should never be lifting pads. That's really not the tool's fault. I always flow some fresh solder in the joint. Makes it much easier to suck up the solder in most cases.

I've screwed up plenty of boards myself. There's no replacement for experience and experience is expensive.
 
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I've screwed up plenty of boards myself. There's no replacement for experience and experience is expensive.

This is so true.

One tip I have learned. If you are working on removing solder and can't get it removed even after reflowing new solder into the joint, step away for 15 minutes or so. The constant heating and re-heating of a joint will cause damage.

Even if you think you have enough experience you need more experience! It never hurts to work on boards periodically to keep your skill set up.
 
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