MOTM

At 12:08 AM +0000 04/23/01, bruce@... wrote:
>
>I have managed to get one of them unsoldered after about an hours
>worth of work. I have a good solder sucker, but it seems minute
>amounts of solder are still hanging around causing the chip to adhere
>to the board.
>
>Anyone have and good suggestions on how to get the little buggers off?

I use Chem-Wick.  It's about $3 a roll and lasts a very long time.  I try
not to solder IC's in backwards, so I've used the same free sample I got
back in the mid-80's when Chemtronics first introduced it :)

I have a Paladin solder sucker, but it isn't very useful for PCB's -- it's
good for big stuff.

You can also try using a piece of braided shield from a coaxial cable.  Cut
a little piece about 1/4" square and hold it next to the joint with your
iron.  The solder should wick onto the braid.  Of course you have to do
this for each pin.

They also sell spring loaded IC extractors -- I've never used one.  I use
this thing that looks like a pair of ice tongs that came with a ROM upgrade.

Then again, Paul doesn't think my soldering is very good -- so maybe you
shouldn't listen to me :)