For those of you that don't have a desolder station....

[peAk]

...and don't want to spend the money on one now....

Get this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00068IJSG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1395974138&sr=8-1

Super cheap and works great. I just desoldered a pc mount 4P3T (16 lugs) in less than 5 minutes.

It takes a while to heat up but works great.

[jimilee]

Yep, RadioShack has them for about half that if you have one close by. I live mine. I've gotten to where I use desoldering braid while waiting for it to heat up though.

[peAk]

Haven't learned how to use the braid yet.

Need to try it some more

[AntKnee]

These are my preferred way to desolder. I got mine at the shack. They dont always fit where you need them, though, especially on the baby builds.

[TNblueshawk]

I use that but also I like the solder sucker method as much if you can clip your board in the air with a vice or whatever.

I hate braid. I think I'm just too dumb to use it or something.

[flanagan0718]

I use that but also I like the solder sucker method as much if you can clip your board in the air with a vice or whatever.

I hate braid. I think I'm just too dumb to use it or something.

I'm with you. I almost always end up soldering the braid to the board. I use a soldapult. It does the trick everytime. Here is the one I use.
http://www.amazon.com/Aven-17535-Desoldering-Locking-Plunger/dp/B003E48EPM/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1396026120&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=soldapult

[jimilee]

Haven't learned how to use the braid yet.

Need to try it some more

Youtube is where I learned. I bought some cause the tips for my desoldering iron are a little tedious to find.

[peAk]

I have a regular solder sucker but I don't like them because you have to have the board standing straight up or be underneath it and try and have the solder iron on one side and the sucker on the other. Then you have to perfectly time the sucker before your hand starts to shake.

[rullywowr]

When using a sucker of any variety, often times it helps to add solder before trying to suck it out. It seems counterintuitive but it works. Also, if using braid a great tip is to add flux to the braid first (I use a Kester flux pen)

[blearyeyes]

I went from braid to solder suckers to the bulb type from radio shack. no love. spent the 150 bucks to get a real set up from Circuit Specialists and am pleased beyond belief. Well worth the money...Great soldering iron and a pump solder remover that really works , both with temp controls..highly recommend.
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/csi701a.html

[Leevibe]

I went from braid to solder suckers to the bulb type from radio shack. no love. spent the 150 bucks to get a real set up from Circuit Specialists and am pleased beyond belief. Well worth the money...Great soldering iron and a pump solder remover that really works , both with temp controls..highly recommend.
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/csi701a.html

I would love something like that provided that the maintenance on the pump, filters, etc. is low. How long have you had it and how much desoldering do you do?

[blearyeyes]

I've had it a couple of months, I only use it to fix mistakes etc. you have to clean the gun each time you use it but it only takes a few minutes. Way better than anything I tried before (braid, solder sucker and RS bulb iron.) hold it on the pad a few seconds and pull the trigger. Usually sucks it clean on both sides. Can't speak to longevity but the system feels solid. Still use braid to clean up any sloppy over soldering. Oh the Iron side rocks. It's hot in under a minute. Compared to other systems it's cheap @149 bucks. Still... it is 149 bucks.

[rullywowr]

I purchased my Hakko 472D second hand for about that.  Maintenance is pretty easy. I bought some extra tips, a cleaning drill, and cleaning pin.  It usually doesn't get clogged unless you suck up a bit of lead or strands from a stranded wire. If that happens you can drill out the tip.  I use a 1.0mm tip and it works a treat. Every part on the iron and base is replaceable so it's a great thing.  I empty the chamber out every so often depending on how much desoldering you do.