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How To

How to Desolder Using a Soldering Iron

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

Solder always flows toward a heating source. Solder will always penetrate a joint more effectively if you remove the old solder before you install new solder. Here's how to desolder using a soldering iron.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Clean all dirt or corrosion from the area you're about to desolder.

  2. Step 2

    Melt your old solder with a soldering iron on large solder areas by placing your soldering iron fairly close to the area. Be sure to keep a few inches back of the area you are working on. If you overheat your parts, that could damage your wires.

  3. Step 3

    Press a plunger of the desoldering pump on the area you just melted. Suck up the molten solder with the desoldering pump.

  4. Step 4

    Place a desoldering braid between your soldering iron and your solder, if you're desoldering small solder deposits. The braid will absorb solder as it's heated.

  5. Step 5

    Clean your desoldering pump. Clean your desoldered flux with a foam swab soaked in denatured alcohol.

  6. Step 6

    Clean away any excess debris and dirt after desoldering, so you can work effectively and efficiently with your freshly desoldered wires.

Tips & Warnings
  • Always be patient when desoldering. You want to make sure you do the job carefully and that you don't overheat your wires. Overheating your wires might damage them.
  • If you need help holding the parts, place the iron in a soldering stand or hold the work in a soldering clamp.
  • Never desolder without wearing goggles and perhaps a face mask.
  • Avoid inhaling the fumes of the solder. This is best achieved by soldering only in a well-ventilated area.

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