Safe IC Removal: Neodymium Magnet Method for PCBs

Disassembly with a magnet

When dismantling microcircuits, the leads that have been bitten off from them and remain in the board are usually removed using a soldering iron and tweezers. In this case, due to overheating, there is a danger of the printed conductors peeling off from the board.

Removing microcircuit leads during dismantling
Removing microcircuit leads during dismantling:
1 – magnet; 2 – microcircuit lead, bitten off with wire cutters; 3 – printed circuit board; 4 – conductor; 5 – solder; 6 – soldering iron tip

The method I use allows for a low-power 15 W soldering iron, which eliminates damage to tracks and hole metallization. I heat the microcircuit lead until the solder melts, then bring a small neodymium magnet to it, and it immediately pops out of the hole. For convenience, the magnet can be glued to the end of a wooden stick 5-8 mm in diameter.

«Modelist-Konstruktor» № 4’2025, Roman KOSTINEVICH, Borisov (Belarus)

Recommend to read

  • CHOOSING A FIREPLACECHOOSING A FIREPLACE
    Fireplaces are among the oldest heating equipment used for heating homes. Archaeological excavations indicate that the outdoor fireplace with a fume collection device used by people in...
  • ALL OF THE COTSALL OF THE COTS
    Things, household items, furniture break down over time and deteriorate, or gradually wear out and become obsolete. And if in first two cases, all the property owners are trying to save...