Hot air does not always work for removing high mass SMD I.C.s.
In these situations, cutting the leads is an effective way of removing a faulty chip.
I find the 'Olfa AK-4' handle with an 'Olfa 9166 KB4-F/5 Chisel Blade' works best to cut the leads.
All you need to do is push down with the blade on the lead, it cuts very easily.
