Desoldering an SMD using a candle

From Rolo’s electronics projects pages:

Never do this. I mean it. It is dangerous, it is wrong, you may get hurt, your tools, your stuff or your house may be damaged. I did this because I didn’t have proper tools at hand and it was a do or die weekend situation. You must use proper air soldering and desoldering tools. In Youtube you can find excellent videos on how to do this in a better manner.

Bear in mind, I’m not suggesting you do this either, for all the reasons listed above. However, it is an interesting process to observe.


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3 Comments

  1. TheEvilLarryPage

    hardcore… great find John

  2. I know, right? Another item for the MacGuyver toolbox! 🙂

  3. I’ve done this with a blowtorch before. It ruined the board but saved the $25 MCU that I was desoldering. I can’t imagine how you’d get the soot off the bottom of the board though.

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