Desoldering ICs - How to remove ICs from boards without damaging them

**martyweil** · 05-30-2012, 08:36 AM

What is the best mothod for desoldering ICs from boards? I'm specifically looking for the best tool(s) and procedure(s) to insure ZERO damage is done to the chips and pins while also being safe for the person doing the removal.

I've read other threads that offer solutions for yanking chips off boards, but those either damage the chips and/or are hazzarous to the person doing the work. I want be able to remove more-than-scrap-value chips (e.g., Intel 4004s), so the ham-fisted approaches won't do.

Is it worth investing in infrared desoldering systems or are there DIY systems that work just as well for less money?

Thanks.

**jaydee1445** · 05-30-2012, 08:44 AM

**Otto** · 05-30-2012, 08:49 AM

Fume hoods, heat sinks, soldering irons and solder suckers are standard equipment for someone doing more than the occasional IC removal. However, if you are thinking of doing this on a large scale, there are additional environmental concerns. If doing this at home, do you want to be venting lead fumes into your neighborhood where they can accumulate?

**martyweil** · 05-30-2012, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by Otto

Fume hoods, heat sinks, soldering irons and solder suckers are standard equipment for someone doing more than the occasional IC removal. However, if you are thinking of doing this on a large scale, there are additional environmental concerns. If doing this at home, do you want to be venting lead fumes into your neighborhood where they can accumulate?

I would be doing this on a very small scale. The items you suggest are de rigueur for IC removal. I'm looking for an approach that doesn't produce any fumes or other environmental hazzards whatsoever. I've read that infrared can be used to do this, and I'm wondering if there are other processes or automated equipment on the market that will remove ICs without creating any fumes or doing damage to the chips. I hope that clarifies my question a little better.

**dherik** · 05-30-2012, 11:20 AM

I use a toaster over to get out IC Chips for scrapping. But to make sure they're undamaged, you'll need to use the industry equipment, and I know I've got about 10k in equipment on my soldering bench to remove chips safely.

**martyweil** · 05-30-2012, 11:52 AM

What about using a heat gun? I've seen YouTube vidoes on their use and the technique seems to work well.

**conrad4784** · 06-07-2013, 12:17 AM

Im just wondering are you repairing the ciruit boards or is there more money to be made scraping the IC chips and the boards seperate? great youtube video. if your doing motherboard repair the expensive IR machines are the way to go. I looked into one for my computer repair shop but litttle outside my price range.

**Mechanic688** · 05-30-2012, 01:47 PM

This is what I used for many years doing CB radio/ham radio repair work. Their cheap, easy to clean and you can pull all kinds of components with them.

If you want to do it on a mass scale then you would want one of these;

**ginofrater** · 06-01-2013, 08:11 AM

SMD Removal using a Chip Quik kit - YouTube

I found this video it looks like the perfect solution, but with images. I hope it helps.

ginofrater

It is on Amazon for sale ChipQuik SMD1 Low Temperature Removal Kit: Amazon.ca: Tools & Building Supplies
Prices from $9.9 to $16 i order one .

**DiamondN** · 06-07-2013, 12:36 AM

I have used a heat gun in the past with success when removing certain chips, such as bga, for reuse. I usually wasn't concerned with the condition of the circuit board when done.