How to desolder a component from a PCB?

Desoldering a component is often more demanding than soldering itself. The wrong approach can damage pads, delaminate the board or tear off tracks.

What affects the difficulty?

Component type, number of connections, the size of ground planes and whether it is THT or SMD.

Heat the joint, suck out the molten solder and release the lead.

With braid and flux you wick solder residues out of plated holes and off pads.

Heat the whole component evenly and lift it with tweezers – see how to choose a hot air station.

For small two-lead components, heat both sides alternately.

Flux improves heat transfer and makes clean release much easier.

The lowest possible temperature, never pull on cold leads and preheat large ground planes.

Too high a temperature, pulling on a cold component and damaging neighbouring parts. More in the most common soldering mistakes.

Many connections at once – best with preheating or extra solder.

Clean desoldering protects the board and saves time in SMD repairs. Find more guides in the ESD Guide.