removing solder

[mr_dove]

how do I go about removing solder from motor tabs? I'm pretty new to soldering and don't have a clue how to remove it. It doesn't go anywhere even when melted. It just sticks to the tab.

The previous owner of my motor soldered his leads directly to the motor but I prefer to use some kind of quick-connect.

Removing solder might be useful at some other time too.

[dragracer28]

There is a tool called a Solder Sucker. I got one from Snap-on (www.snapon.com) (part#YA477) it is nice but is kind of expensive. You might be able to find a less expensive one but I have not seen one.

[3Nracer]

If you go anywhere that sells soldering stuffs you will find something called wick. It's just strips of copper-colered metal. You put the wick inbetween the solder and the soldering iron and it will absorb the solder. Sometimes it may not say wick on it, maybe "solder-off" and stuff like that.

[DvMxDv]

mr_dove,

Radio Shack sells a solder sucker similar to the Snap-On part only it's significantly cheaper. $6.99 instead of ~$30 for the Snap-On. You can also use desoldering braid which is a reel of copper braid that is placed between the solder and the hot iron. Either one works fine. Cheers.

Dave

[Vmax911]

I concur, the solder wick works great!

[highroller]

Just use a hot soldering to remelt the solder and blow away the large amounts or use a soldering brush (stiff wire) and brush away while solder is still liguidfied, use a small file or sandpaper and lightly sand the rest. Turn the motor upside and most will fall off. If it gets inside brush hood use a small square file and file it away (the file assortment can be purchased at Radio Shack or Sears).

I have one of the De-Soldering tools and hardly ever use it - doesn't get hot enough and you still have to scrape or sand away the left over solder residue plus it won't get in some areas well.