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Desoldering Braid
Tips on desoldering needed?

I'm new to this so maybe I just need more practice...

I'm trying to get some components off an old circuit board but it ain't easy. I use a soldering iron to heat the solder and then use a desoldering pump to get rid of it, trouble is I can't get all the solder off so even after 2 or 3 pumps there's still a tiny amount left. It's easier to just heat the solder and pry the component off with a knife at the same time but that's very awkward and slow.

How do I use a pump properly? Should I get some braid instead, is that easier/better?

It depends on the pump you have. They won't work good if you don't keep them clean inside. One test you can do is to cover the tip with your finger when you release the button and see if it maintains a suction. If the pull back rod(or whatever you call it) doesn't extract back up, then you have good suction. Also, hopefully you are using a low wattage soldering iron, like 27 watts. You can also try a desoldering braid/wick. It looks like a small grounding strap that is saturated with flux. Removing a component when the soldering is melting could work, but you also stand the chance of removing the eyelet or soldering pad for that component. You can also apply soldering flux to the pad and reheat it and try the Solder Pulit again. Be sure that the solder connection/pad is cleaned of any contaminates before trying to remove components. A small stiff brush with rubbing alcohol should do the trick. Contaminated pads hinder the process. Good luck. See link below.

How to use desoldering braid