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Bad desoldering job

Posted: 25 Sep 2015, 19:41
by manna
Hello everyone!

As you can see in this picture https://imgur.com/YQebFd1, I tried to remove the solder from the led holes on a Poker 2 pcb, ending with a bad job.
Is there any way I can took off the remaining solder without risking to ruin the contacts?

Thanks.

Posted: 25 Sep 2015, 19:44
by ne0phyte
You're looking for some desoldering wick or a desoldering pump.
Don't stick the soldering iron in there any longer hoping to get it out :P

Posted: 25 Sep 2015, 20:09
by manna
The problem is that the soldering iron tip is too big.
I used the pump but still managed to screw up. Maybe a dremel with a fine tip?

Posted: 25 Sep 2015, 20:26
by chzel
Just add to the solder and then use the pump again. Pumps seem to work better with a bigger solder blob.
Heat is your enemy, if you are heating the pads for more than 5-10 seconds, stop, let the board cool thoroughly and try again.
You can try to poke a steel wire/needle though the hole while the solder is liquid. The solder will not stick to the steel and hopefully it will clear the hole.

Posted: 25 Sep 2015, 20:35
by manna
I'll try that, thanks!

Posted: 25 Sep 2015, 20:43
by andrewjoy
wick + flux and you are good.

One warning DO NOT RUB THE WICK OVER THE PAD! If you do you will lift the pad, dabbing it is your best bet.

When you re solder , do yourself a favour and get proper rosin flux 60/40 solder , none of this lead free rubbish.

Posted: 26 Sep 2015, 11:59
by shreebles
Seeing as that is a small hole, why not a pump andrewjoy? Even the cheap ones work well for me.

Posted: 26 Sep 2015, 12:14
by andrewjoy
i find they are better on larger components, you could add more solder and use the pump again , but to get the pads 100% clean wick is the best option