[sdiy] Desoldering techniques for chips that you want to keep?

[steve jones]

Newbie stuff.... I've always used chip sockets for my DIY projects so
far, so this is new to me...
I'm looking for info on how to desolder and remove chips from a
circuit board without damaging either. Should I use a solder sucker or
copper braid? Flux? Soldering iron size / power? Should I add new
solder to start with? How tough are chips anyway?
General advice most welcome.
Steve