Would an oscillating tool work to remove components from a power supply board?

Does anyone have a Variable Speed Oscillating Multifunction Power Tool?

http://www.harborfreight.com/variabl...ool-67537.html

Is there a scraper blade that can cut metal legs from components from a power supply board? Just slide it under the heat sink and transformers and have the tool cut the legs off the board and the component falls off. No grinding, no soldering and no pulling needed.

I don't have one to try this. Anyone care to experiment and let me know? If it works, I know what to add to my tool collection.

I assume it would work. It says it can cut through cable. If I remember right, the infomercials for the one on TV shows them cutting through a nail or screw.

Looked for a Youtube video and saw them rip through some nails. I guess it would work. Interesting. I forgot to look for a video of them in action.

They do work but very slowly and will only cut small pins. If you want speed use a sawsall with a scraper blade. Just be prepared to pick stuff from every corner of the room.

right now I'm using an air chisel. Stuff really flies with that also.

A more experienced scrapper once posted it wouldn't be a good idea because of all the lead dust from the solder. If you had read through all the recent threads, you would have seen it.

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Originally Posted by devo

Just be prepared to pick stuff from every corner of the room.

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My carpet resembles miner's moss. Little bits of plastic and stuff imbedded in there.

Out in my garage I have a commercial walk off mat I bought from the company when they were getting rid of some of their old ones. Got a 4x6 for $3.00 carpeted with rubber on the back. It vacuums up real easy.

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Originally Posted by billygoat

A more experienced scrapper once posted it wouldn't be a good idea because of all the lead dust from the solder. If you had read through all the recent threads, you would have seen it.

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OK, where did someone talk about using a oscillating tool for this task? I guess I did miss that post. If you are talking about using a grinder to grind off the solder side of a board, that isn't at all what I was asking about. I wouldn't do that for low grade or even high grade components.

I don't think there would be any lead dust from an oscillating tool, you aren't cutting lead, you are cutting the little wire legs on components.

I still may try this. Or maybe try different ways to use the sawzall.

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Originally Posted by wdaddy

OK, where did someone talk about using a oscillating tool for this task? I guess I did miss that post. If you are talking about using a grinder to grind off the solder side of a board, that isn't at all what I was asking about. I wouldn't do that for low grade or even high grade components.

I don't think there would be any lead dust from an oscillating tool, you aren't cutting lead, you are cutting the little wire legs on components.

I still may try this. Or maybe try different ways to use the sawzall.

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All you have to do is search for "lead dust" and you will find the threads. Here's one of them: http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/showt...with-a-grinder.

There is solder on both sides of the pins. It really doesn't matter if you are grinding or sawing, you will kick up some lead dust. And it isn't just about you or me. It can get tracked into areas where other people, including children, may be present. Really, I just pull them off using a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and maybe a pair of dikes. I have gotten fairly good at it and I'll bet I can get one off faster that way than if I was cutting or grinding.

I'm not an expert on lead dust and don't know if it is enough to be considered hazardous. But I do believe in "better safe than sorry." I also try to be responsible. Maybe I fail sometimes, but I try.