Quote:
Originally Posted by tstone  The temperature needs to be high enough. Around 750° to 800° F is normally adequate. The tip of the iron needs to be clean and shiny. A wider, chisel tip is more effective for desoldering than a narrow, pointy one. And though it is counterintuitive, it is helpful to have a little blob of fresh molten solder on the end of the tip when you apply it to the joint. The molten solder greatly increases the contact area, and thus the heat transfer.
Without seeing your situation, it's hard to say exactly why you're having difficulties. |
+1 to all of this.
Either you have a dirty tip, or your tip isn't hot enough. An iron takes a while to warm up to 750° to 800° F.
Make sure your tip is screwed into the iron snug for efficient heat transfer.
If the iron tip is dirty, heat it up, and wipe the tip with a damp paper towel. It will take several times, because when the cold/wet towel hits it, the tip will cool down rapidly, requiring you to wait until it heats up again.
If you don't see a shiny tip after 3-4 cleanings, dip the tip into some solder flux. This will re-tin the tip. Or, you could replace the tip. Your call.
Hope this helps you.
