Desoldering SMD chips (eg. OPL3)

[Gilesjuk]

I've read the tips elsewhere about using enamelled copper wire to separate the legs of surface mount chips from the board.

Well, unfortunately the wire i bought was too thin and snapped, so I got a sewing needle and slid that under the legs instead and it works pretty well. It levers against the IC casing and lifts the legs (while you apply heat to the joint).

The only snag is once you've done one side of the IC this method doesn't work as well. But instead of sliding it under the pins you can just lever one pin at a time from above.

i've removed three chips this way with no broken legs and only a small amount of straightening required.

Edited January 28, 2012 by Gilesjuk