Two Terminal SMD Component Removal
-
When you use a soldering iron to remove a two (2) terminal SMD device, you need to heat/unsolder both terminals at the same time.
For example, when you have a 1206 resistor, both ends of the resistor need to be unsoldered simultaneously. -
You can use two soldering irons to do the above, or you can bridge the SMD with a wide tipped soldering iron.
-
These SMD components are rigid and will not flex, hence a spatula will not fit under the device when just one lead is unsoldered.
-
We have shown that a DIY soldering tip can be used, this method is another option.
- The process described herein uses a normal soldering iron and tip.
A blob of solder is used to bridge the component leads.
When unsoldering the SMD, the blob of solder is held in place with a brass spatula.
The images below show the brass spatula technique.
-
Add high temperature Kapton Tape to one side of .003” brass shim stock.
Kapton tape will prevent solder from getting on the brass. -
Use a paper cutter to cut several 1/4” strips from the taped shim stock.
We will call a 1/4” strip our spatula. -
Put one of these spatulas in a spatula tool handle.
-
Use nippy cutters to trim the width of the spatula to match the length of the component.
-
Add fresh solder to each SMD component lead.
-
Add a blob of solder to the bottom of the not taped side.
-
Position the spatula so the solder blob end touches and parallels the SMD device.
-
Heat the spatula’s solder blob so it flows and bridges both ends of the component.
-
At an appropriate time, use the soldering iron tip to push the SMD onto the spatula.
-
Optional
We can confine the solder blob with a piece of Kapton tape on the front of the brass spatula, see the last two images. -
As with any new technique, practice makes perfect.
There are two YouTube videos at the end of this post showing the process.
Optional
Hint, use the Kapton front tape as temporary storage of flux paste.
See these short YouTube videos:
