2UUL DW01 Mobi Desoldering Wick 2015 (5 Rolls)

Clearing old solder from a connector footprint or a chip's pads is one of the most common jobs at a microsoldering bench. A copper braid soaks up the molten solder and leaves the pads flat and ready for the new part.

The 2UUL DW01 Mobi is sold in boxes of five rolls in the 2015 size. In wick sizing, 2015 normally means a 2.0 mm wide braid on a 1.5 m roll. According to the listing, the fine copper strands draw solder up quickly, leave little residue, and come in anti-static packaging.

When to reach for wick

• Leftover solder on pads after taking off a chip or connector.

• Solder bridges between pins that could short.

• Uneven pads that stop a new part from sitting flat.

• Old, worn solder that needs clearing before rework.

Technique

Add a little flux, lay the braid over the solder and press a clean, hot iron on top. When the solder wicks up, lift the braid and the iron together so the braid doesn't stick to the pad. Cut off the used section before the next pass.

Don't drag the braid across the pads. Press and lift instead, so the pads don't tear.