[Elecraft] How to tell if the PCB pad is bad.. thx

[Phil Wheeler]

Jason Hissong wrote:

> Thanks for the responses.  I clipped out U3 and pulled the remaining 
> pins out while I heated the pads.  I noticed that some of the pads 
> came out too (doh!) However, the solder collected in where the 
> remaining pad was.  I checked for continuity to other parts of the 
> circuit and it checks out (almost like the solder made a new pad???).  
> I also just ordered stainless steel dental picks from Milestone 
> Technologies to make sure the holes are clear for the replacement U3 
> chip I will order from elecraft tomorrow. 


Be careful using those picks.  You can push out the though hole that way 
and create real problems (been there, done that .. and with a dental pick!).

For solder removal, the GRC Solder Popper (can be ordered at Jameco)mhas 
been getting good reviews.  In fact, I just orderd one so I can compare 
it to my Hakko 808.  From a msg of 5/25:

> A few weeks ago I got some advice from fellow Elecrafters on the GC Solder Popper.  I picked up one of these babies from Jameco (# 19254) for $26.95 US.  I have nothing but rave reviews on this item.  It worked like a charm.  No problems removing parts at all.  I didn't even cut any parts in half to get them out one lead at a time.   And not one lifted pad or wrecked traces.
>

73, Phil