Desolder tool: Don't live in the dark.

[DoS]

This thing changed soldering forever, for me. It is cheap, the build quality isn't amazing. You have to clean it out sometimes. But life without a solder sucker that doesn't heat the solder, is fine. Often the holes are entirely clean. Sometimes it takes a touch of the iron to separate the component from the PCB/part, but no big deal as when it isn't touching, it isn't in a pool of solder any longer.

There are very expensive units that are better but... I figured most people could tolerate the only low end unit worth using. If you got the money who wouldn't want a ? But for now life is still much richer without having to be so damn fast.

[Doc B.]

That's pretty neat. I have a full on desolder station with a motorized pump, that got busted a few years ago. It is awesome, but around $400 to replace. PB fell in love with the cheapo plunger desolderer we have at work, basically a non heated version of what you bought. He loves it, I think it's a PITA because you have to move really fast to get the solder out before it cools. So your solution looks like a great compromise. I think I'll buy one for Peebs.

[Grainger49]

Amen to you both.  First, I think those are good links.  I'll have to bookmark the tool.  Maybe in a week or so.

I started with a solder sucker and ended up with solder wick.  Dan is sooooo right, you have to move fast to get the sucker placed and push the button.

[HF9]

Haha, I love my cheapo non-electric desoldering pump just like PB. I actually have a cheapie one that cost a couple of bucks and a more expensive one (~$15). and I like the cheap one better. As long as the tip is teflon you can get them to last for quite some time.

I may eventually have to try that PartsExpress version, looks like it might make things slightly easier.

[galyons]

Haha, I love my cheapo non-electric desoldering pump just like PB. I actually have a cheapie one that cost a couple of bucks and a more expensive one (~$15). and I like the cheap one better. As long as the tip is teflon you can get them to last for quite some time.

I may eventually have to try that PartsExpress version, looks like it might make things slightly easier.

I have 2, one $$, the other $...both have removable, replaceable tips.  They both function the same, the more expensive pump is smoother to cock and on release.  Does make a bit of difference.

Cheers,
Geary

[4krow]

No doubt, every situation requires a different technic. I was having fits removing IC's from circuit boards, when I found 'chipquik'. GOOD LORD, where has that been all my life. I used it as described, and never burnt another trace. The, just as importantly, I bought a solder station as recommended on this site, and NEVER looked back. Didn't know what I was missing! ANd yes, I use a solder sucker at times too.

[DoS]

No doubt, every situation requires a different technic. I was having fits removing IC's from circuit boards, when I found 'chipquik'. GOOD LORD, where has that been all my life. I used it as described, and never burnt another trace. The, just as importantly, I bought a solder station as recommended on this site, and NEVER looked back. Didn't know what I was missing! ANd yes, I use a solder sucker at times too.

That stuff looks great. I'll use it if I need to save the chip. Otherwise I just cut all the pins with razor blade then use iron to flick off the pins. (they key is to repeat cutting motion, if you press you could cause damage)

[4krow]

The cool part is that once you get used to it, it doesn't take as much. I really like the liquid flux that comes in the kit. I just cut the very tip off the little tube, and it fits right over the IC pin on the trace side of the board. I was screwing up traces and everything and felt like a real fool until I got this stuff. But,,,just as important was the decent soldering station that I bought from Parts Express. Not top of the line, but at $40 on sale, it has already paid for itself. My work looks decent now. With the ChipQuik, watch out for little solder bridges, it can drive ya nutty.

[DoS]

Adjustable stations are pro.

[Jim R.]

Thanks DoS and Greg -- goint to pick up both of these to add to my arsenal.  I love my Weller aluminum pump --very nicely made, super spring, and amazing suction power -- between that and a variety of different thickness of desolder braid, I've been pretty consistent with desoldering, but I think these two new tools will be really useful as well.

-- Jim