Desoldering braid, also known as solder wick, and desoldering pumps are tools used in the process of removing solder from a printed circuit board (PCB) to disengage components or correct soldering mistakes. The main function of a desoldering braid is to wick away molten solder from a connection, whereas a desoldering pump, often referred to as a solder sucker, uses a vacuum to suck up the molten solder. These tools are essential for circuit board repair and rework, ensuring clean removal of solder without damaging the board or components.
The main uses of desoldering braid and pumps include the disassembly of electronic components from PCBs, cleaning solder from pads before re-soldering new components, and clearing solder bridges that can cause short circuits. Desoldering braid is typically made of fine, braided copper wire which is coated with flux to enhance its solder-absorbing capabilities. Desoldering pumps are generally designed with a spring-loaded plunger or a bulb to create a vacuum.