Best De-solder?

Rev. Hayes

Zingo's thread got me thinking....


What's the best desoldering braid (or desoldering method)?

I've been using Radio Shack braid and it is awful.

Face

Pinch the braid with both hands, approx .25" from each other, push it back and forth also side to side, it spreads it out and increases the surface area, making it more effective. A hot iron really helps too.

As for other brands, MCM electronics has a good selection.

ben62670

I like a quality solder sucker. I tried the soldering iron with a built in bulb, but it just isn't as powerful as a true solder sucked.

dorokusai

My best desoldering method is to heat it up and smack it on the table I'm working on. It drops off just fine and if I was working on something more than a loudspeaker xover, as in a space shuttle component, I might care about it more. I've never found desoldering braid or suckers necessary at all for xovers and in regards to brands, I doubt it makes a bit of difference in this case.

Face

dorokusai wrote: »

My best desoldering method is to heat it up and smack it on the table I'm working on. It drops off just fine and if I was working on something more than a loudspeaker xover, as in a space shuttle component, I might care about it more. I've never found desoldering braid or suckers necessary at all and in regards to brands, I doubt it makes a bit of difference in this case.

I hope you are wearing pants when using that method.

Rev. Hayes

Face wrote: »

Pinch the braid with both hands, approx .25" from each other, push it back and forth also side to side, it spreads it out and increases the surface area, making it more effective.

Ahhhhhh

Will do!

dorokusai

Pants? Never.

Rev. Hayes

ben62670 wrote: »

I like a quality solder sucker. I tried the soldering iron with a built in bulb, but it just isn't as powerful as a true solder sucked.

So I've seen the bulbs.....

Is this "sucker" a powered vacuum system?

dorokusai

Nope....well I guess you could call it a mechanical vac, often spring loaded, thumb operated tube in the electronics versions I've used.

ben62670

What are you working on? How often do you plan on doing this type of work?

Rev. Hayes

I'm about to start my second x-over rebuild but I spend a LOT of time repairing patch cords and busted guitar electronics.

ben62670

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=370-325
and what I use.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=370-030
I used to like braid, but I grew out of it.

george daniel

de-soldering iron.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=372-202&source=googleps

ben62670

I bought the bulb type, but it just doesn't have the vacuum power of the spring loaded designs. Another handy thing about the http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=370-030 is that you can just use your soldering iron taking a piece out and then put one in without switching tools.

[Deleted User]

Weller makes a real nice vacuum sucker. Needs to be kept clean for optimum performance. :cool:

dorokusai

Why you folks feel the need for that at all boggles me. Nerds.

halo71

Rev. Hayes wrote: »

patch cords and busted guitar electronics.

Ever do any guitar tube amp modding?

Ricardo

Any braid works fine and better than any sucker IMO.

ben62670

The problem with braid is getting it into tight spots and wicking solder out of small holes.

Face

Spread the braid as I described above and turn your iron up, works better than any solder sucker/desoldering iron I've used so far.

treitz3

Ricardo wrote: »

Any braid works fine and better than any sucker IMO.

Especially when you want to lift up traces. :eek: :biggrin:

TECHNOKID

Rev. Hayes wrote: »

Zingo's thread got me thinking....


What's the best desoldering braid (or desoldering method)?

I've been using Radio Shack braid and it is awful.

Yes, unless your soldering skilss are top notch, stay away from it

ben62670 wrote: »

I like a quality solder sucker. I tried the soldering iron with a built in bulb, but it just isn't as powerful as a true solder sucked.

I agree, a quality solder sucker is the best for the job in most cases. Solder wick (braid is last resort)

dorokusai wrote: »

My best desoldering method is to heat it up and smack it on the table I'm working on. It drops off just fine and if I was working on something more than a loudspeaker xover, as in a space shuttle component, I might care about it more. I've never found desoldering braid or suckers necessary at all for xovers and in regards to brands, I doubt it makes a bit of difference in this case.

:eek::eek:

Face wrote: »

I hope you are wearing pants when using that method.

dorokusai wrote: »

Pants? Never.

Nope, he probably wears a mini skirt in order to complement is fine desoldering method

Rev. Hayes wrote: »

So I've seen the bulbs.....

Is this "sucker" a powered vacuum system?

Stay away from the bulb, useless...

dorokusai wrote: »

Nope....well I guess you could call it a mechanical vac, often spring loaded, thumb operated tube in the electronics versions I've used....

...and it works great :cool:

treitz3 wrote: »

Especially when you want to lift up traces. :eek: :biggrin:

Agreed :eek:

I have been using this brand and specific model number for years with great success, never had to replace the pump as I buy the replacement tips (propably every year at the time since I was using daily in my repair shop). Easily dismantles, maintainable (slight lubrication of the O ring, easily remove excess solder and replacable tips). This should last you a life time and perform greatly. A smaller model also exist (I don't remember the model number...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVsz2zzDJaw

http://www.edsyn.com/index.php?Mode=piw&pn=DS017

http://www.ldbepurchase.com/ds017.html



''Quality has better taste (i mean better performance)''

audiobilly

For large components (xover pcb and such) and "home" use (low volume of work), the Soldapullt and a nice soldering iron is the way to go. Lots of volume in one shot and will really suck (As TECHNOKID has suggested). I really like these as I have used this style of thumper for years. The little ones just don't cut it. You can use the Sodapullt for smaller components as well, as long as the pcb is single sided or at max 2 sided. When you get into multilayer pcbs' you just can't fight with a manual solder sucker.
http://www.edsyn.com/index.php?Mode=piw&pn=DS017

For smaller components and "home" use, the Aoyue line is worth it. Again this is for home or hobbyist use (low volume of work). Ya just have to keep them clean, very important. Before each use just make sure the filters are clean, and use the cleaning rod to clear the suction tube and let er rip tater!
http://sra-solder.com/product.php/6417/22
This is comparable to the Hakko desolder station witch is really good, but really for higher volumes of work, and the price is more expensive.

Once you lift a few traces fighting the removal process, you will love the power vacuum system. Practice on pcbs' that are parts cars, broken, or something that you will not be worried if you mess anything up.

Product prices and quality just go up from here. If you have lots of money the sky is the limit. For the money and for low volume use the Aoyue is good bang for the buck.

These are tools, and you have to have the right tool for the job.

Nothing beats slamming circuit boards on the bench to remove molten solder so it can go fly'n! :biggrin::rolleyes:

skrol

The bulb and the mechanical plunger type work very well for larger components like leaded capacitors and resistors. I usually use the mechanical plunger type when there are globs of solder. If I want to clean things up more then I follow up with the braid.

My dad has a solder / de-solder station and it is great for higher density leaded components like IC's. For speaker work it is not necessary but if you have one, why not.

I must confess to using the whacking the board on the table method at times. The only problems are that you can't control where the pieces of solder are going to land and you may break something, Oh yeah and you should stay away form the Ethan Alan; your wife will ... lets just say it may impact the future of your hobby.

heiney9

I use this desoldering pump

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=370-030

and this desolder wick

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=341-556

H9

ben62670

heiney9 wrote: »

I use this desoldering pump

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=370-030

and this desolder wick

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=341-556

H9

There you go. Two cheap options to try from the same place. I have used that same solder sucker for 9 years no issues. I had to cut the tip just a little. At that price you can buy a whole new one for the price of a tip.

FTGV

audiobilly wrote: »

the Soldapullt

Thats my weapon of choice,I much prefer it to braid.

audiobilly

Ya know, one could reckon this debate with that of vinyl cleaning methods.:cool:

helipilotdoug

+1 on the Soldapullt.

TECHNOKID wrote: »

Yes, unless your soldering skilss are top notch, stay away from it

I agree, a quality solder sucker is the best for the job in most cases. Solder wick (braid is last resort)

:eek::eek:



Nope, he probably wears a mini skirt in order to complement is fine desoldering method

Stay away from the bulb, useless...

...and it works great :cool:

Agreed :eek:

I have been using this brand and specific model number for years with great success, never had to replace the pump as I buy the replacement tips (propably every year at the time since I was using daily in my repair shop). Easily dismantles, maintainable (slight lubrication of the O ring, easily remove excess solder and replacable tips). This should last you a life time and perform greatly. A smaller model also exist (I don't remember the model number...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVsz2zzDJaw

http://www.edsyn.com/index.php?Mode=piw&pn=DS017

http://www.ldbepurchase.com/ds017.html



''Quality has better taste (i mean better performance)''

hearingimpared

I prefer a good spring loaded solder sucker and +1 to a good braid.