removing parts from PCBs

[Chuck Guzis]

On 11/11/2005 at 8:31 PM compoobah at valleyimplants.com wrote:

>I've seen several references to using torches to remove DIPs from PCBs.
Are there any specific things to keep in mind to avoid heat damage &cet?
Are you talking propane plumber's blowtorches?

Yes,  I hold the board component-side down and flame it from above--a lot
of components will simply drop out of the board once the solder has
melted--do this out-of-doors as the fumes from the epoxy or phenolic can be
pretty noxious.  Keep the flame moving.  Sometimes just tapping the board
will cause quite a few components to to fall out.  DIPs usually require a
pair of needle-nosed pliers or small screwdriver to remove.

Some invert the arrangement and do it component side up with the fame from
below.  I'm not convinced that one method is any better than  the other.
An old propane barbeque grill might also be another approach.  Another
might be to use a heat gun.   Leave the oxyacetylene torch in the
shop--it's way too hot.

You won't get everything--small 1/8w resistors and small bypass caps don't
tolerate heat very well, but you're after the expensive stuff, after all,
right?

Cheers,
Chuck