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Author Topic: Stupid Q about removing solder  (Read 2021 times)

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Brad Lee

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Stupid Q about removing solder
« on: December 24, 2002, 09:51:53 am »
So I don't have easy access to a solder iron to remove some globs left over on a few buttons Ive stripped from a CP.

Is solder relatively soft enough that I can take a dremel with a grinding stone and shave it down so  I can get quick conencts over the terminals? Basically when I pulled the buttons I just clipped the wire as clsoe to the terminals as I could. I don't really care to buy a soldering setup since I'm using a Ipac/Optipac and spade quick connects on everything, unless I can find one for < $5.

JustMichael

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Re:Stupid Q about removing solder
« Reply #1 on: December 24, 2002, 10:16:32 am »
I would NOT recommend grinding off the solder.  This is because of the amount of lead in the solder.  While the solder should grind off pretty easily, this will create a cloud of lead dust that you should NOT breathe.

Brad Lee

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Re:Stupid Q about removing solder
« Reply #2 on: December 24, 2002, 10:53:27 am »
Hrmm well thats definitely something I didnt think of.

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rampy

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Re:Stupid Q about removing solder
« Reply #3 on: December 24, 2002, 10:53:44 am »
So I don't have easy access to a solder iron to remove some globs left over on a few buttons Ive stripped from a CP.

Is solder relatively soft enough that I can take a dremel with a grinding stone and shave it down so  I can get quick conencts over the terminals? Basically when I pulled the buttons I just clipped the wire as clsoe to the terminals as I could. I don't really care to buy a soldering setup since I'm using a Ipac/Optipac and spade quick connects on everything, unless I can find one for < $5.

ditto what JM said... I'm pretty sure you can get a cheapo crapo soldering iron for under a saw buck.. check your local flea market, dollar store, or even radio shack...

or borrow from a friend... best scenario ->borrow from friend and buy desoldering braid as it will make it uber-easy to remove the solder (it soaks it right up when heated)

good luck,

rampy

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Re:Stupid Q about removing solder
« Reply #4 on: December 24, 2002, 11:31:30 am »
If you grind you will also damage the coating that is on the terminals.  Most are plated so that they will accept solder and will not corrode.  Go with the flow and get a cheap soldering iron, you will end up needing it again.

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Re:Stupid Q about removing solder
« Reply #5 on: December 24, 2002, 02:51:11 pm »
You can get a really nice soldering iron set at Radio Shack for like $14, I'm sure you can get just the iron for $5....
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Re:Stupid Q about removing solder
« Reply #6 on: December 24, 2002, 08:39:44 pm »
Goto radio shack.  They have solder braid or that suction thingy.  The braid works better.  You just heat the solder up, touch the braid to it, the braid attracts the solder, poof, no more solder.

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Re:Stupid Q about removing solder
« Reply #7 on: December 25, 2002, 08:42:52 pm »
I've never used the braid (but it sounds foolproof) the solder sucker isn't any harder though and works just fine for me.

They're dirt cheap and easy to use. there's no reason not to do it right.
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Re:Stupid Q about removing solder
« Reply #8 on: December 26, 2002, 12:42:30 pm »
Yeah, de-soldering braid is one of those wonderful little secrets of the trade that makes an otherwise near-impossible task into a pleasure...  It's really easy to use and works so well that it makes it really fun to do!  I say go for the desoldering braid just for the fun of seeing the stuff do its magic.