How to Desolder a Circuit Board

If you are trying to repair any broken component you will have to desolder the circuit board first. Soldering a circuit board requires skill and experience; desoldering a circuit board requires double the skill and effort. The solder on your circuit board hardens with time and in order to desolder it, you will have to apply solder to the board once again to restore its softness so that you can remove it. This job is not for those who have no experience in solderingl. If you have a good knowledge of soldering, read on. With the right tools and this guide to help you along, you will be able to successfully complete the job.

Step 1 - Disconnect the Appliance

Disconnect the appliance from the mains and remove the cover of the appliance to expose the circuit board.

Step 2 - Desoldering Pump

Hold the desoldering pump and push down the plunger until it locks. Position the nozzle of the pump on top of the solder joint.

Step 3 - Switch on the Soldering Iron

Switch on the soldering iron and let the iron heat up completely. Once it's ready, hold the soldering iron to the top of the solder joint. Make sure it's just 1 millimeter from the opening of the nozzle.

Step 4 - Create a Vacuum

Depress the trigger to allow the plunger to be released. Keep your thumb on the plunger and allow it to extend slowly. This creates a vacuum and will suck up the old solder as it melts with the heat of the soldering iron.

Step 5 - Move the Soldering Iron

Slowly move the soldering iron so that you are able to remove all the solder from the joint.

Step 6 - Desoldering Wick

Take the desoldering wick and place it on top of any solder that remains on the circuit board.

Step 7 - Remove the Remaining Solder

With the desoldering wick in place, press the tip of the soldering iron on the desoldering wick. The heat will cause the remaining solder to melt and flow into the desoldering wick, giving you a clean surface.

Keep the soldering iron on the desoldering wick as you remove it from the board. This enables the wick to remain hot and retain the solder. If you remove the soldering iron first, the desoldering wick will cool and the solder will remain on the board.

Step 8 - Cut off the Wick

Cut off the portion of the wick that has absorbed the solder form the board.

Step 9 - Repeat the Process

Repeat the same process to remove all traces of solder from your circuit board.

Step 10 - Finishing

Once you have completely removed all the solder from your circuit board, you job is done. This is how you desolder a circuit board.