removing parts from PCBs

[Jules Richardson]

Witchy wrote:
> On Sat, November 12, 2005 3:19 am, Allison said:
> 
>>Myself I torch the bottom and use a spring loaded chip extractor.
>>That and a pliers or tiny screwdriver to straighten any bent
>>pins keeping it in the board.
> 
> 
> I'm right in assuming this technique requires a bit of practice? :)

Not for ICs, no. I've found with things like IDC connectors it's a bit 
trickier as it's hard to keep the heat even across the whole socket and 
not damage it (plus such sockets tend to be at the edges of boards and 
so the heat 'spills over' to the top-side and damages the socket)

Of course the chips tend to be the important bit. I do often salvage 
capacitors and diodes from boards too though, just to make sure I've got 
a useful supply in the parts box.

If I've got a large board I tend to use the camping gas stove as it 
spreads the heat nicely across large sections of board. Do in a well 
ventilated area obviously, PCBs tend to produce nasty fumes!

cheers

Jules