How To Remove A Connector From Circuit Board？

Image Source: FreeImages‍

Keeping track of circuit board connectors can be a challenge, especially when you are working with multiple boards.

Sometimes these components can become separated. But even if your circuit board connectors do not get separated from the board, they can present challenges in other ways.

The metal housing on these connectors makes it difficult to remove them from the board and place them back again.

Fortunately, there are ways to make this process much easier.

This article will explain how you can remove a connector from your circuit board, as well as give you the best safety tips for the process.

Table of Contents

Understanding how circuit board connectors work

Circuit board connectors are used to join electronic components together. A connector consists of a plug and a socket or pin.

The plug fits into the socket on another connector or a printed circuit board (PCB). The plug is connected to a wire that can bring electricity to a specific point, such as a LED, LED driver, or a heating element.

The socket is what receives the plug and brings electricity to a different point, such as a printed circuit board or a heating element.

When a plug is inserted into the socket, it creates pressure, which holds the plug and socket or pins together.

This pressure is strong enough to remain intact while the board is being moved around, even when the board is dropped.

Using a De-soldering Tool

A de-soldering tool contains a heated blade that melts the solder around the plug and a vacuum pump that removes the melted solder. You can also use it to clean the leads of the PCB and the plug. After cleaning both the PCB and the plug, you can put another connector in place. An easy way to use a de-solder tool is to apply heat and suction on the plug at the same time.

Once the solder has melted, the vacuum pump will remove it and the plug will come off easily. Another option is to use a de-soldering iron and a solder sucker together.

The iron will heat up the solder and the solder sucker will remove it. This process can take a lot of time, but it might be the only option if you do not have a de-solder tool.

Re-melting the Solder

If you are not using a de-solder tool, you can re-melt the solder on the PCB connector. Re-melting the solder is a much faster process than waiting for the solder to de-solder. However, it can be messy because the melted solder will get everywhere. You can do this with a soldering iron and a solder sucker.

First, use the soldering iron to heat up the solder until the solder turns red. Then, use the solder sucker to remove the melted solder.

Make sure to remove as much solder as you can before removing the plug because the solder will solidify quickly.

Using a Desoldering wick

A desoldering wick is a piece of porous fabric designed for removing solder. It is very similar to a desoldering braid, except that it does not have silicone woven into it. You can use a desoldering wick to remove a PCB connector.

Cut a piece of the wick that is long enough to reach from the plug to the PCB. After you have cut the wick, heat up the solder on the connector with a soldering iron.

When it is melted, squeeze the wick into the melted solder and feed it back through the PCB.

When the wick has come back out the other side of the PCB, let go of the wick and let it cool down.

The melted solder will be absorbed by the wick. When the solder has cooled, use a pair of tweezers to pull the wick out of the solder. The plug will come out with it.

How do you unplug a 2-pin connector?

Image source Ifixit

Sometimes PCB connectors have more than one pin. Other times PCB connectors have a pin that has broken off. In both cases, you need to unplug the component from the circuit board. There are two basic ways to do this.

Using a connector removal tool

This is a special tool that can be used to remove a broken or multiple pin from a PCB connector.

However, it is important to choose the correct tool for your connector.

There are many different connector removal tools available, and each one is designed for a specific connector.

Before using a connector removal tool, put on safety gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes from any loose fragments. Remove any loose fragments from the broken pin.

Then, place the conector removal tool on the broken pin.

Make sure that it is securely in place.

Once everything is prepared, turn on the connector removal tool, and it will remove the pin. Afterward, you can put the replacement pin in place.

Hire a professional to remove the connector for you

If the connector is stuck very tightly and you do not know how to use a connector removal tool, you can hire a professional to remove the connector for you.

They will use special tools and be able to remove the component a lot more quickly than you would be able to do it.

It may also be a good idea to hire a professional if you are not sure which tool to use.

Professionals will have the necessary equipment and know-how to complete the task quickly and safely.

Tips to prevent damage when removing PCB connectors

When you are removing a PCB connector, make sure to follow these safety tips to prevent damage to the circuit board and connector:

– Avoid applying too much pressure to the PCB. Applying too much pressure can stress the circuit board, which can cause electrical failures.

– Hold the PCB and connector steady while removing the connector. If you are using a connector removal tool, make sure that the tool is securely in place.

– Avoid scraping the PCB with the connector removal tool. If you scrape the PCB, it can damage the circuit board.

– Avoid touching the PCB with your bare hands. Your hands are full of oils, and this can damage the PCB.

Choosing a reputable PCB connector supplier in China

When you are looking for PCB connectors, it is important to find a company with a good reputation. A reputable company will be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with the connectors that you need.

You can find a reputable company by asking around and reading reviews. Make sure that you are getting the connectors that you need and that they come with a warranty.

A good PCB connectors supplier should be able to customize the connectors for you.

This way, you will be able to get the connectors that you need and avoid ordering more than you need.

The supplier should also be able to send the connectors to you quickly and accurately.

At ICRFQ, we are a reputable supplier of integrated circuits in China. Contact us and we will be glad to deliver these ICs.