Solder wicks are essential tools when working with solder, especially when it is necessary to remove previously mounted components or excess solder from a PCB. One common removal method is a vacuum desoldering pump. Another effective and precise solution is desoldering braid, also known as solder wick.
Desoldering braid is made of finely braided copper strands forming a flat strip that heats up quickly when applied with a soldering iron. The braid efficiently absorbs molten solder through capillary action. This method is particularly useful when removing solder from integrated circuits or other sensitive PCB components, where precision is critical.
To achieve optimal results, the soldering iron must reach the appropriate working temperature before starting the process. If the tip is not sufficiently heated, the solder will not properly flow into the braid. In practice, adding a small amount of fresh solder to the joint can improve heat transfer and facilitate removal. The soldering tip should be placed on top of the desoldering braid — not directly onto the solder joint — allowing the heat to transfer through the braid and melt the solder underneath.
Heat the desoldering braid for several seconds until the solder melts and flows into the copper weave. Once the solder has been absorbed, lift the braid quickly to prevent re-solidification. This process ensures clean removal of solder from the working area. Our range of solder wick products includes:
GOOT solder wick with dispenser (1.5mm x 2m, 2.0mm x 2m, 3.0mm x 2m, 3.5mm x 2m and other sizes)
GOOT solder wick (1.5mm x 1.5m, 2.0mm x 1.5m, 2.5mm x 1.5m, 3.5mm x 1.5m, 3.9mm x 1.5m, 2.5mm x 20m and other variants)
If you need assistance selecting the appropriate desoldering solution for your electronics production line, service centre, or repair operation, our experienced team will be happy to provide professional guidance tailored to your technical requirements.
