You use it to get the holes free of solder after removing a transistor for example. This is safer than a pump for example which can damage the board. Same goes for desoldering wire (forgot the correct English term). I have one of these sets but they have a learning curve.

"braid"

I would have to say my hakko 470/472 de soldering station is the best ebay tool purchase I have made.
I am interested in seeing a video of in use. The more I learn the better I'll get.
Fortytwo

Thanks!

Some desoldering pumps are too strong leading to broken pads or traces (or both ) and you'll just suck them in. Especially on the CPU board which is very sensitive to desoldering. This might not happen if you're very experienced though. Same goes for braid. If you use it wrong it can stick to the pads or traces and you'll rip them off. Happened to me... I know better now

I try to look up a video that someone posted on the german pinball forum!

I use braid a lot, especially at work. Use lots of flux, and never push the braid down into a via hole. Laying it on top of the hole and light pressure, 99.9% of the time it will wick the solder out and not stick to anything. Like you said - if you do it wrong it can.

I ordered a set. What the hell for 4 bucks it's worth a try. Tool hoarder out

I'm totally with you. Without the flux the solder might stay in the hole. You still need a little experience how much heat is okay and how much could damage the board or traces. Good soldering to everyone. Never practice on a board that can be saved by a pro

I've always used a cheap de-soldering iron from Radio Shack, 35 watt I believe, and braid when needed and haven't had any issues. As stated, as long as you use it properly, it works fine and doesn't stick. Thanks for bringing this up though, always good to have more tools and techniques in the arsenal.

Can you guys recommend a decent braid? Also, what temperature do you typically set your iron to when using it? I always use my Hakko desoldering pump and have never had much luck with braid.

I usually don't use braid, but there are some cases I've been in replacing laptop power connectors where it is recommended to use it. I use cheap Radio Shack braid. It's infused with some flux, but if you don't add extra flux you're in for trouble. I'm not a super experienced electronics person, so if somebody can recommend a better braid I'd be interested.

Maybe that's my issue. I never use extra flux with the braid. I'll have to try that.

Mouser Electronics carries Techspray Prowick. Lots of sizes, but I like to use number 4.

It's pre-fluxed,and wicks out of holes well.

The hollow needle's are used to desolder the lead while the chip/transistor is installed. You put it on the lead, heat the joint up and press it through the hole. Repeat for all the leads and remove the component.

Absolutely no idea why anyone would make them/sell them.

If you want to clean out through-holes just buy a bunch of tooth-picks.

No doubt!

All joking aside, round toothpicks will repel the molten solder from a hole if you are ever working in the field without your usual tools.

This is the only stuff I use. Back when I used to do A/V repair, it was what we all used where I worked. I normally work at 800 degrees.

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