Removing tiny SMD resistors

[omgphil]

You know the tiny square ones?


I want to replace one with a pot but it's so damn fiddly, it won't come out, and I can't even cut it in half and prise it out D:

Any techniques?


I got a heart shaped necklace with a record/playback function from Poundland t'other day and I'm gunna rehouse 2-3 of them and make a mini super-lofi sampler with pitch control. It's an ambitious project for me but it should be good.

[Circuitbenders]

From another thread.

I think you mean SMD (surface mount devices)



SMD resistors and capacitors (resistors have numbers on them , capacitors not) can easyly desoldered by alternately heating each side for a short time (about 1second each side) with your soldering iron. After a few cycles (heating left, heating right) the part will left the circuitboard (PCB).

[omgphil]

Really thanks, that will be useful.

I guess I'lll use the search function next time :X.


Anyone else done a project like this? I'd like to see, for inspiration.

[soflaed]

After removing,how do you solder onto such a small area? starts melting the board.

[octatone]

SMD = Hell.  Avoid at all costs.

Use a low watt iron, low temp, and work with a magnifying glass.  Oh and take a few shots of whiskey to calm the hands.

[catweazle]

If you do your own PCBs you will love SMD, more space (you can use two layers of components)
and the best: you don't need to drill so f**in lots and lots of holes

Don't panic, SMD soldering isn't that complicated, you need a fine good tweezers and
a fine soldering iron, you don't need a SMD Soldering iron. I think on the net you'll find
good tutorials and how to's about SMD soldering,

Soldering a new part on a desoldered one is not much stress. Take the part with the
tweezers and lay it on the pads and hold the part while soldering both ends.
Caution if you solder a smd resistor for example you will see the "thumb stone effect" the part stands up on the
side were you solder - thats why you have to hold it with tweezers.
Take a old pcb and make some excersices, you will see its not mysterious and a big deal,

You can desolder SMD parts real easy with two soldering irons (if you have two)
Heating both ends simultaniously (really really fast method)