The two solder joints to be desoldered, to enable a faulty component to be removed. The nozzle of the desoldering pump is applied to the molten solder and the spring-loaded plunger is then released, drawing the solder up into the pump. Repeat if needed. The first joint, now desoldered. Select a suitable width of braid, and press it down onto the COLD joint using the hot tip of the iron.
Molten solder is drawn up by capillary action into the braid.
The component dropped out of the board after desoldering. Close-up shot of both joints, now desoldered and ready for the replacement part to be fitted. The following are all genuine examples of bad soldering which have not been retouched or reworked in any way. One example of several dry joints found within a commercial PSU adaptor for a computer peripheral. How not to make a mains voltage soldered joint.