Electrolytic SMD removal tools

[tony359]

Hi all,

I know this is a hot topic - I have a potentially large project where I need to replace A LOT of barrel electrolytic SMD capacitors. I have to soldering irons and it's kind of ok with them. But I was thinking of getting some hot tweezers for the task.

I found a post on EEVBlog and Reddit where the below tweezers can be adapted to work with my T3A. It seems like worth a try given the low cost.

https://www.reddit.com/r/soldering/c..._to_work_with/

One question I have is: which one of the two shall I get? There are two shapes available. For SMD caps where the soldering tab is almost recessed I'd think the ones more sharp might help.

Any suggestions? Do you think that that is worth a try?

I am not a fan of the "pliers" method by the way

[megaraider]

Re: Electrolytic SMD removal tools

Hi all,
I know this is a hot topic - I have a potentially large project where I need to replace A LOT of barrel electrolytic SMD capacitors. I have (to) two soldering irons and it's kind of ok with them. But I was thinking of getting some hot tweezers for the task.

I found a post on EEVBlog and Reddit where the below tweezers can be adapted to work with my T3A. It seems like worth a try given the low cost.

https://www.reddit.com/r/soldering/c..._to_work_with/

One question I have is: which one of the two shall I get? There are two shapes available. For SMD caps where the soldering tab is almost recessed I'd think the ones more sharp might help.

Any suggestions? Do you think that that is worth a try?

I am not a fan of the "pliers" method by the way

Since you've a LOT of barrel electrolytic SMD capacitors to replace that tweezers will become handy and speed up the process.
IMO you should get the least sharp "tweezers2.jpg"
Reason being: the end surface won't (most likely) exceed the pads dimension and therefore not only distributing better the heat as well as applying more heat to the overall pads.

[tony359]

Re: Electrolytic SMD removal tools

Yes, those are my choice too. I guess it depends on how flat the surface of the tweezers is!

I'll give that a go. I will also pre-heat the board, the idea is to just remove them all in one session, clean the pads and then re-install using schematics or another board to guide me.

The soldering process seems interesting. Small tips don't seem to work because the pads are too big (and/or ground planes) so solder doesn't melt. I hope those tweezers can help on that too but chances are I will melt the plastic of the caps.

I guess I'll have to practice a bit. Thanks for your input!

Also thanks for correcting my English mistake

[tony359]

Re: Electrolytic SMD removal tools

Note to self: "you get what you pay for"

[harp]

Re: Electrolytic SMD removal tools

I need to replace A LOT of barrel electrolytic SMD capacitors.

I will consider to make a fixed width fork type soldering tip (like these few on bottom). You can shape it on most usefull way for particular job. No fideling with tweezers ...

[tony359]

Re: Electrolytic SMD removal tools

that's another good idea - but if I shape existing tips, wouldn't I end up with something which instantly oxidises when used? I thought solder tips were coated to avoid that and that's why you don't want to sand them.

[petehall347]

Re: Electrolytic SMD removal tools

try farnell and rs online etc

[harp]

Re: Electrolytic SMD removal tools

but if I shape existing tips, wouldn't I end up with something which instantly oxidises when used?

No, dont use a existing tip, for this purpose, you shall use solderig iron who can hold and support a regular 4mm pure copper wire (the cheapest one with screw on heater).

For making a special purpose tip, use a tool like hammer, modelling saw and fine file.
For your needs it is easyest to split a 4mm wire in a half and shape it that fit around capacitor. Lastly files a angles of touching surface so the maximum heat can be transfered. In foto you can see, I use a splitting wire on half for one board with bunch of big MELF resistors, it work like a charm.

You can use even a much thinner solid copper wire of 1mm and bend it to form a shape of tip for soldering iron.

[tony359]

Re: Electrolytic SMD removal tools

Oh I see, those irons with the little screw which holds the tip. I could give that a go.

[harp]

Re: Electrolytic SMD removal tools

Yes, that one with screw. But be careful in this 5$ price range, there are diferent setup, one is for soldering with 40% tin, intended to use with biger metal crafts, and this is heating alot, easy burn a tin and tip... on package say "not for electronic" and "450 celsius or so"... if you buy this it must be connected to some sort of regulator to use it in electronic job.

Other are much weaker "for electronic", and some have adjustable knob on handle...
https://www.electrodragon.com/produc...oldering-iron/

I love this type of irons only because I can make any shape of tip, not depend on commercial tip. All you need is small piece of thick copper wire (electrical mains wire).

[clearchris]

Re: Electrolytic SMD removal tools

Note to self: "you get what you pay for"

Looks like it could stand some adjusting with a hammer, punch and file. Sounds like iron plating isn't too bad to do if you really wanted to be obsessive. Are the tips replacable?

These diy solder tips are pretty smart. I had just learned about doing these on the big weller soldering guns, I have a few of these screw down irons that I haven't used in years, could come in handy.

[tony359]

Re: Electrolytic SMD removal tools

I managed to align them. They work wonders on most SMD components but not on capacitors unfortunately. The legs of SMD caps are too small and the tweezers struggle to grab them and transfer enough heat. I'll still experiment.

The DIY one would still be tricky with caps, I have several sizes on my board and the legs barely protrude from the plastic. Uhm...