Best tool to place electrolytic SMD caps on a board

[tony359]

HI all,

I am working on some boards where all 100+ SMD caps have to be replaced (yes, they actually went bad!). I found a workflow to remove them comfortably (two irons, pre-heater and extra hot air for larger ones on ground planes).
When it comes to soldering them back, I add solder to one pad and then I use a plastic tweezer to keep them in the right place while I solder that leg.

The tweezer works - but I was wondering if there is a more "dedicated" tool or whether someone has a better idea. If it was for a bunch of caps then who cares. But because I am installing hundreds of them, I'd be keen to have the best tool for the job!

I think the ideal tool would be short, grab the can of the cap, provide some grip and allow crowded installation where the cap has to be grabbed from an angle.

Any ideas?



Cheers!
Tony

[diif]

I'd save time by using the twist off method for removing the old caps.
A finger or tweezers for holding the new cap in place.

[harp]

Not in dimension/proportion, just idea

[diif]

I've also used a spudger with a bit of blu-tac on the end once or twice to hold components.

[tony359]

harp
Yes, that is what I am thinking of. I never thought of making them out of wood though! I don't think I have the skills. I cannot find anything similar off the shelf. Thank you for taking the time to make the drawing, it's appreciated!

I could try with some metal tweezers and bend them to a similar shape though. Then add some heat-shrink for friction.

I can try blue tack but I'm not sure it would offer a "single handed" operations. Again, I've replaced 700 capacitors so far. The plastic tweezers I use are ok, but something like harp mentioned would probably give me a better grip. Even if I save half a second, multiplied for all those caps it would be some serious time saved!

Pliers are out of the question. I tried on the lager caps which are difficult to de-solder (because on power planes) and I ripped the pad. This is paid work so I don't want to butcher the PCBs. (I wouldn't do that anyways of course!)

[harp]

If is easyer to you to work with metall... some thoughts

[diif]

If you ripped a pad, your plier twisting technique is wrong. Saving half a second on 100 caps is less than a minute.
I can stick a cap on a spudger with blu-tac and hold that in my left hand then solder with my right.
You could also use a tiny drop of UV glue to hold the caps in place.

[tony359]

harp

You are my new hero Your drawing skills are impressive!

I think that is what I'll try to do. I'll keep you posted! Thanks!

[stj]

i dont fit smd electrolytics - they are shit.
real men spend the extra and buy smd tantalums

[tony359]

Oh well, speak to the manufacturer then
I suppose it's good for them with electrolytics. With tants, those units would still be in service