How to Desolder Using a Soldering Iron

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:

• Soldering iron
• Desoldering pump
• Desoldering braid
• Foam swab
• Denatured alcohol

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

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

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

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.