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How to Use a Solder Wick

Contributor
By Wolfram Donat
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)
Use a Solder Wick
Use a Solder Wick

Soldering two electronic components together is an art form in itself. There often comes a time, however, when a soldered joint must be taken apart. This requires the use of one of two tools--either a solder pump/syringe or a solder wick, which is a long spool of braided copper wire. Using these tools enables the hobbyist to desolder a connection without damaging the connected components.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Soldering iron Solder wick (braided copper) Soldered joint
  1. Step 1

    Plug in the soldering iron and wait until it reaches operating temperature.

  2. Step 2

    Press the solder wick against the joint to be desoldered.

  3. Step 3

    Press the soldering iron against the wick. As the wick heats, it will melt the solder in the joint and soak it up, leaving the joint clean and solder-free.

  4. Step 4

    Clip off the solder-soaked end of the wick and throw it away, leaving the wick clean for the next job.

Tips & Warnings
  • Be careful! The tip of a soldering iron can easily exceed 400 degrees, and the tip of a cool soldering iron looks exactly like the tip of a hot one!

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