The "Whack-it" Technique to Desolder

Tools for desoldering?

I've read an articles from the net about the subject desoldering. This guy was having difficulty in desoldering despite using all the necessary gadgets such as solder pump and copper wick. Well, there are many factors that affect desoldering, one of them is the solder iron it self. If the tips of the soldering iron is not clean prior to using it, you will for sure face difficulty. The soldering bit will not properly melt. One way to clean the bit is by rubbing it with a damp sponge. You will notice the clean shining surface once the bit is clean. The solder will melt fast and make it easier for the solder pump to suck it.

Another way is to use the technique "Whack-it". However please be extra caution.

First of all, you must apply safety precaution such as:

1. Wear safety glasses.
2. Your work surface must be prepare to accept slight abuse.
3. You should not do anything that might injure other people nearby when using this technique.

now lets start, heat up the solder iron and heat the solder connection, then rapidly smack it down against the work surface ( did you read the second requirement above? just to make sure you understand what I meant).

The molten solder will fly out, hit the surface and harden into a metallic splatter mark. Never do it directly in front of your face - hold it off at an angle so that there is no chance that back splash might come back at you. Although this is leathal, it sure the quickiest way to get rid of that stubbond solder out of the PCB. Anyway use it as your last resort if you get really annoyed or you feel impatient. But again please be careful. You are free to use this technique at your own risk. No one to be blame if you injured yourself except you yourself.