[AH] Trim-pot debacle (ADVICE PLEASE!)

[jorgen.bergfors at idg.se]

>I'd also try levering the thing (whatever it may be) loose with a
screwdriver (I have a specially modified soldering aid for this). Just a
little bit at a time, here and there. And watch out for bent or crimped
leads sticking in the holes.

I'd say never lever or wiggle the part. It will only result in the pads coming loose.
Use a good solder sucker and then push on the pins with a screwdriver from the solder side, if necessary. I don't see why this should be a problem. I regularly unsolder and re-use parts from prototypes that aren't needed anymore. This includes IC sockets, trimpots and whatever. Often the parts will fall out by themselves. Only occasionally some pushing with the screwdriver is necessary.

My advice: get a good solder sucker and practice with it!

/Jorgen