Is there such thing a solder wick "pad"? Otherwise cleaning up removed ICs. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Rat_Patrol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2020, 04:35:14 pm
content: I need to remove a bunch of large PLCC and QFP ICs for re-use. Largest IC is a PLCC68.For removal of the solder from the contacts of the IC, it sure would be nice to use a purpose-made device. Something like a large "pad" of solder wick on a heater that I could just touch the IC on, let it wick out the solder, and remove quickly before I heat up the IC too much.Does anything like that exist, or is there another option than the hard way?I'm sure there has to be some slick machine to do this.

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2020, 06:01:38 pm
content: there are purpose made iron tips and nozzles for removing different socket typesfor examplehttps://www.newark.com/metcal/h-p68/nozzle-hot-air-tool-plcc-68-27mm/dp/66K6656https://paceworldwide.com/plcc-68-pqfp-132-219mmwicking is a waste of time, lube up the part with flux and hit it with hotair

author: Rat_Patrol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2020, 06:31:48 pm
content: I guess I wasn't clear, my mistake.I'm not talking about removing the IC, I'm looking for a method to quickly remove the remaining solder on the IC contacts after removal.I need to re-use the ICs, and I need the excess solder removed from the contacts.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2020, 06:49:49 pm
content: Get a wide wedge tip and use a length of wick under it.Tim

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2020, 07:02:47 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on May 29, 2020, 06:49:49 pmThat is what I do but I wonder if a solder pot combined with hot air would also be better.

author: JimHearne
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 08, 2020, 04:23:15 pm
content: I've not tried it with a PLCC but for DIP, SOIC & TSSOP etc parts i just dip the legs in flux and quickly dip them in the solder pot.The surface tension of the solder in the pot pulls all the excess off the legs.Jim

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2020, 05:07:28 pm
content: Another approach is to reflow the part, while holding it with a vacuum tool (or tweezers if necessary) and brush the solder off the legs with a fiberglass brush. This can be done immediately as the part is removed with the type of hot air rework tool that holds the chip with vacuum.Add the usual warnings about solder dust and work area contamination.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2020, 08:38:22 pm
content: I did a small batch of QFNs with solderwick, maybe 30-50 of them. I set the chips upside down on FR-4 and apply liquid rosin flux. This flux prevents the chip from sticking and lifting with the solderwick. I might have even glued them to the board with hot air, to dry the flux. Then after they're all done, I had to scrape the chips off the FR-4 with a chisel. Then I laid them on a paper towel with alcohol, and fold the towel over and rub them around in it. IIRC, I ended up making a little "bag" of paper towel wetted with alcohol and shook them around for the final cleaning. I salvaged just shy of 2 bucks a chip, so maybe 50-75 bucks for an hour of work.

author: ste222
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 10, 2020, 03:42:13 pm
content: i just use liquid flux just brush some on the legs then run solder iron along the pins and the excess solder transfers to the iron wipe iron clean and do same to other pins as required best method ive found then clean the pcb with cleaner job done

author: Renate
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2020, 01:59:37 pm
content: I use solder wick for cleanup.A normal solder tip does not work great.I take an old solder tip and cut and file off the end so that I have a blunt round surface.Holding the soldering iron vertical it makes quick work of it all.Er, I was thinking of cleaning the PCB, not the parts.For cleaning things like tube or relay sockets, heat the lug with an iron then blast it with an air hose.Works well but makes a mess.