Salvaging parts from computer cards

[Arthur]

Is it possible?

For example, I have a 56k modem with a reed relay, bridge rectifier, speaker, inductor, electrolytic caps and resistors up for grabs if I could get them off the board. But I can't. They are through hole components but of a very fine pitch it seems.

I have tried a solder pump and solder wick (the flux impregnated stuff that is hopefully half decent) but it seems that whatever I do, surface tension retains just enough solder to keep the parts stuck tight.

I have access to a good quality soldering iron but not a rework station or anything like that. Is there some trick to it, or is it just not possible?

I don't have any intended use for these components but then I don't have any use for a 56k modem either, it would only be going in the bin.

[Mechatrommer]

put alot of solder as one big or long blob on all pin, melt it at once, you can pull the component out. air gun or oven is just easier for this kind of work. practice make perfect. more advance, you can use less solder and slide your iron quickly to melt all at once.

[tekfan]

Use a heat gun. The very one you use to scrape paint off of surfaces.

[the_raptor]

You either need a heat gun and let gravity do the work, or need to pry the part as you desolder each leg.

[Zad]

It might also be the case that the components have been bonded to the board with a blob of glue. This more usually happens to surface mount devices prior to reflow, but can happen with PTH devices too.

[Wim_L]

Another problem may be pins bent to fix the parts into their holes, or even worse, metal shields over the components with barbed spring clips that open and hook into holes in the PCB, and then are soldered. Those are virtually impossible to remove without damage.

If it's just through hole, heat guns are perfect. Heat the other side of the board and shake the board until the components drop out. Those heat guns aren't particularly subtle, so you might delaminate the board in the process, and cause all kinds of nasty fumes. Best to do it outside or at least with very good ventilation.

[sacherjj]

I used to use desolder wick to get components that were worth it.  For large things that are harder to break, I now love my Atten 858D+ hot air gun.  Put a thin screw driver under a relay side and heat as you pry a little.  Off in 20 seconds.