Copper wick VS desoldering pump

[hondablaster]

So I'm contemplating taking on my first DC jack repair as a learning experience. I have about 4 hours of videos watched and DIY guides up the wazzoo. But I'm seeing two different methods of solder removal the wick and the desoldering pump.

Any pros care to chime in?

 

[MrUnknown]

both. solder wick can do some things that a pump can't or is just more convenient.

practice with both and see which you prefer.

 

[mraikes]

Mr Unknown is right. You want to have both wick & pump. For me, the pump is usually more convenient for removing large amounts of solder, or sucking it out of holes, and the wick is better for spot removal and clean up. But sometimes it's the reverse . . . That's why it's best to have both.

 

[BDPCR]

Yup they are both cheap don't skimp on this, use both. For precise small welds like power jacks that need good cleaning i only use braid.

 

[hondablaster]

For precise small welds like power jacks that need good cleaning i only use braid.

Yeah you guys sold me on this. I can see the braid doing a really good cleanup after I use a pump.

I ordered this soldering iron and this pump.

PUMP http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PDNOZU/ref=oss_product

IRON http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WES51-Analog-Soldering-Station/dp/B000BRC2XU/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_b

for some reason they haven't shipped the pump..... I also have two replacement DC jacks coming too. I hope this is money well spent. I really want to add this to my entry level resume.

EDIT: I SHOULD HAVE GOT THE DIGITAL ONE I DIDNT KNOW YOU COULD !@#$%^&*()@#$%^&*

 

[Larry Sabo]

Both have their place. Be careful with the solder pump; it can dump solder bits onto the work area (circuit board) if you aren't careful and attentive.

 

[hondablaster]

Both have their place. Be careful with the solder pump; it can dump solder bits onto the work area (circuit board) if you aren't careful and attentive.

Thanks you for the tip Larry all this stuff is very useful to me.

I Love this site!

 

[MrUnknown]

eventually you will want to purchase a hot air rework station.

Nothing like desoldering a 9-pin DC jack in about 30 seconds with no effort. Clean the holes? Just let the hot air push it out. Fun stuff. Just don't let it accidently splatter on you.

 

[hondablaster]

Thanks for the information making me aware that such things exist. Could someone makea full time job of doing DC jack repairs....

 

[mkeathley]

I use the pump and the braid. Remember with the pump somemtimes it works better when you add new solder to the joint first then remove it all in one wack with the pump...

 

[MrUnknown]

Thanks for the information making me aware that such things exist. Could someone makea full time job of doing DC jack repairs....

There are websites dedicated to doing it, there was a member on here that did it also, not sure I see him posting too often anymore or if I am not paying attention.
http://www.usalaptoprepair.com/

so I am sure it is possible. I am trying to move my business over to a similar model.

 

[MobileTechie]

I don't use braid anymore but it is useful stuff.

Personally I suggest a hot air station which we've discussed here a few times before, including the techniques of using it. I find it makes the job SO much quicker, easier and cleaner that it's well worth the small investment. I use an Aoyue 852A which cost me about the same as a single job.

As to the actual question, I'd start with the pump and clean up with the braid if you need to. A tiny bit of solder soaks up into a lot of braid so you'll end up using lots if you use it off the bat.

I strongly recommend using old mobos for practice and removing as many components as possible as practice before doing a customer jack. You'll learn the timing, the feel for old solder, the heat-soak effect of metal components etc.

 

[hyfidel]

It's a matter of personal preference. Try both and see which you like. Then later you can try a solder vacuum or hot air station.

However, you are LEARNING on a customer's laptop? That's sucks. Go practice on a couple dozen PCBs before practicing on someone else's property. Just crack open any old electronic junk and start desoldering.

 

[trapped]

Personally I like a vacuum desoldering gun. I have the Hakko 808. I tried a hot air station, but I didn't like the way it worked.

 

[hondablaster]

Personally I like a vacuum desoldering gun. I have the Hakko 808. I tried a hot air station, but I didn't like the way it worked.

Thanks everyone for your post. Ive been desoldering stuff from junk all day. I don't like it. LOL The laptop in question went off without a hitch after desoldering/soldering for about 3 hours its works.


@Trapped I'm interested in your device. I have researched it. Can you honestly say it helps the desolder process. And give me your honest review. I'm about to go to Fry's and pick this thing up.

I want to fix laptops so I think in my mind I can justify this expense.

Thanks

Hondablaster

 

[trapped]

It is way easier for me. I got a 8 pin dell jack off yesterday in 2 or 3 minutes. What I do is put flux on all the contacts, put the tip over the pin for 3 or 4 seconds and then suck it up. Sometimes I have to put a little fresh solder on some of the pins to get them going. The only tough part is when the jack has elongated pins that don't fit in the tip.

 

[MobileTechie]

These guys do desoldering tools: http://www.circuitspecialists.com/level.itml/icOid/8394

$119 for a cheap one.

 

[Larry Sabo]

Wow, that's a terrific find! The BK4000 unit is especially attractive.

Edit: Here's a thread including comments by a couple of very satisfied customers.

 

[hondablaster]

I purchased the Hakko 808!

I spent a day taking a apart a 56k modem. Using wicks and vacuums.

I got another 56k and took out my shinny new hakko and did it in about 30 minutes. Then I called up a friend who I know has another Gateway with a bad DC jack and took it apart and had the DC jack off in about 2 minutes. Compared with my first DC jack job where i was there for hours trying to get it off. Funny I wonder if I should just clean up and re-solder the DC jack.

I purchased the Hakko Yesterday at frys! Thanks for all the tips guys. BTW the Hakko makes the conacts so clean I couldnt even tell there was anything there before!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MobileTechie]

I don't really need one, but I do quite fancy one of those!