Replacing a component on a printed circuit board (PCB) may become challenging if proper set of tools are not available. Some components, such as SMD resistors and capacitors can be easily replaced with a soldering iron and solder. Electronic chips with many leads, on the other hand, require more tools. Because PCB traces and pads are fairly delicate, it is important that the utmost care be exercised while removing the components and installing new ones.
Instructions
1 Place the circuit board on a flat surface and, if possible, clamp or tape it from the sides so that it would not move while you are working on it.
2 Turn on the hot-air gun and hold it about 6 inches above the component you want to change. Be careful not to heat the other components. Within a few seconds, the component should become loose. Carefully pull the component with tweezers and turn the hot-air gun off.
3 This process may have loosened some other components as well. Wait for at least a minute before proceeding to the next step. This will ensure that the other components would again be bonded to their respective pads.
4 Turn on the soldering iron to 450 C and use it with copper braid to clean the excess solder from the pads of the component you just removed. The best way to do this is to place the braid on top of the pad and the soldering iron tip on top of the braid for a few seconds. The excess solder will be absorbed by the braid.
5 Clean the surface on and around the pads with an alcohol swab.
6 Place the new component on the board, carefully aligning the component leads with the pads on board. Make sure that the component is properly oriented.
7 Solder each component lead with the corresponding pad on the board, using solder and the soldering iron. Use a minimal amount of solder as any excess may flow to other leads and pads and subsequently connect the component leads together.
