Soldering and desoldering can be a bit challenging for beginners. But there is a mess-free way to get it done.
Even though I know the basics of soldering, I don't need to use it often. So, when my niece called for guidance on desoldering her board, I got my husband to help me explain the process to her. We guided her one step at a time through Facetime, and she successfully completed her first desoldering project.
Since the process of desoldering is still fresh in my mind, I thought I'd share the simple steps with my readers.
Hi! I'm Stacy Smith, and today I will share the easiest method to desolder using a wick braid. Stick around to find out the process of how to use a desoldering wick.
Without further ado, let's get into the steps-
A wick or soldering wick is a braided copper wire used to remove excess solder from the board, often used along with flux. Using a wick is one of the best ways to remove extra solder from the circuit board or components.
Knowing how to solder and desolder is a pretty helpful bit of knowledge to have. I say this because it has saved me from replacing or repurchasing so many parts over the years. But, before we begin discussing desoldering, there's one step about soldering I’d like to share.
After soldering a board, I check if the blob is clear and shiny. If it looks slightly opaque or muddy, I use a hot iron rod to melt it for 2 seconds which gives a polished result.
This is optional, so you do not have to follow this step. But, I've observed that a shiny-looking blob of solder gives better results after desoldering.
To begin, you will need to select the proper wick and soldering tip size for your surface. Ideally, the wick should be around the same width as the glob of solder that needs to be removed. If you use a smaller one, removing it will take too much time, and a wick too large will make it challenging to remove solder steadily.
For me, I usually keep 3 or 4 different sizes of wicks in the toolbox, which my husband and I use whenever required. So, whenever I need to desolder, I take them out and place them at the workstation so I can grab them quickly while working.
As far as the soldering tip is concerned, the best size is one similar to the glob you are working with.
Flux makes desoldering quicker and smoother. In fact, I cannot remember a time when I desoldered without flux, and the same goes for my husband. Now, there are various kinds of wicks with different flux types. Beginners might find it confusing to understand which type of flux to work with.
Go for a rosin-based flux for a quick desoldering job. This wick can be identified by the "80-" or "50-" written in the solder-wick line. Alternatively, you can opt for a no-clean flux. This option does not require cleaning after use, and it has a number starting with "60-" in the solder-wick line.
There are also options of unfluxed wicks, which are the ones I use. Of course, you'll have to buy a flux pen separately if you want to use it. However, I prefer to use a separate flux so I can control the amount of fluid released from it.
Begin by placing the board firmly on a surface where it will not move. Then place the wick on top of the solder glob, which needs to be removed. Use your hot soldering iron over the wick braid. At this point, the iron tip should generally be slightly hotter than the melting point of the solder.
Most lead-based solders have a melting point of 600 degrees Fahrenheit. So you can start the iron tip at this temperature and increase it to 650 degrees if required. Although in most cases, I think that won't be necessary.
Also, the sides of the soldering tip will provide more heat transfer, so keep it at an angle while working. If you use only the topmost part of the tip, the solder will take longer to melt. For proper heating, ensure the tip is clean and ready for use.
Next, you need to apply pressure gently on the wick that is covering the solder and allow it to melt. A smaller solder will melt in a matter of minutes, but this could take a bit longer if your wick braids are too thick. As the solder melts, the wick will absorb it along with the liquid flux.
Keep the wick and tip in place for a little while longer to absorb all of the extra melted solder. After this, remove the tip and the wick braid containing the absorbed solder.
Both should be removed at the same time unless you want the wick to get stuck on the board. In case that happens, and it happens to me all the time, reheat the wick braid with the iron and quickly remove it.
It would be amazing if we all knew how to solder and desolder perfectly each time.
But some projects are bound to get messy. Even after years of practice, I often make mistakes. However, there is no reason to stress if you lose practice. Just come back to this article whenever you need a stepwise guide for using a desoldering wick.
That being said, let me know your experience with desoldering using a wick braid and iron tip. What were the challenges you faced? Are there any valuable methods you came across in previous desoldering projects? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Until next time, bye!
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