How to Use a Desoldering Wick
A desoldering wick or desoldering braid is an alternative to a desoldering pump. It is specially treated braided copper wire mesh that is used to remove solder from a solder joint. It works by drawing molten solder up into the braided wire. Once the solder cools, that portion of the wick is cut off and discarded. Desoldering wicks are available in a number of different sizes, specified by width. The size that you use is determined by the amount of solder to remove, how quickly you want to remove the solder and the size of the pad or connection.
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Instructions
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Choose the correct braid size. The braid width should match the size of the bead of solder to be removed. However, if there are a number of small beads then a wider width will speed up the process of removing them.
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Place the desoldering wick on top of the bead of solder.
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Place the heated soldering iron on top of the soldering wick. The molten solder will be drawn into the desoldering wick.
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Remove the desoldering wick and the soldering iron from the board together in one vertical motion.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not let the desoldering wick cool down while still on the circuit board. You can damage a pad or connection when trying to remove it.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit soldering image by Bube from Fotolia.com
