What is a Desoldering Pump?

You may find yourself needing a desoldering pump if you have to remove soldered joints or modify a joint that has previously been soldered. Desoldering is common when you have soldered joints that have failed, such as those on circuit boards.

Why Use a Desoldering Pump?

A desoldering pump comes in handy when you need to remove solder from a soldered joint. It usually operates on a vacuum, sucking up the solder as you melt it down.

Using a Desoldering Pump

Heat up the joint, using a soldering iron, just like you would if you were applying solder. Hold the desoldering pump to the soldered joint.

Most desoldering pumps have a spring loaded plunger that releases as you push down on the pump's button. This action, draws the liquid solder up into the vacuum chamber. There are also electric desoldering units for large jobs.

Adding Solder to the Joint

Sometimes the joint you want to remove solder from is difficult to work with. You may add solder to the joint, in order to make it easier then to desolder the larger, more solid joint. If you do have to add more solder, make sure not to apply too much heat or you could damage the circuit you are working on.

A desoldering pump is a must for any repair work to electrical circuits.