[Elecraft] OT: Removing Solder Through Plated Through Holes

[Don Wilhelm]

Lee,

Good that you have finished the task without damaging the board.

If something like that happens again, remember that after the solder 
wick, you can open the hole with a toothpick, or even better a stainless 
steel needle.  In a pinch, a sewing needle will do the job nicely, but 
stick the eye end into a cork to keep from burning your fingers - the 
needle will get hot in the process.

With plated-thru holes, the "name of the game" is to protect the board - 
using a drill will remove the thru-plating from the hole - so don't do that.

73,
Don W3FPR

Lee Buller wrote:
>
> Hey,
>
> Lots of good ideas here.  I did use the solder wick.  That was a no 
> brainer, but getting all the solder out of the holes is a different 
> deal.  I rummaged around in my tool drawer and I found a "solder 
> sucker" which was spring loaded.  I got it years ago from Radio Shack. 
> I never had any luck with it...but in this application seemed to work 
> well.  I got the holes cleaned up....now...I can start again.  But 
> alas...I think I need to get some more resistors too...I broke one. 
>
> Thanks for the ideas guys.
>
> Lee - K0WA
>
>