Let's see some pictures
(How's that for guerrilla marketing?
)
Iron and tip: Hakko FX-888D with probably T18-D16 (chisel, ~1.5mm). It's tinned, etc.
If your iron is a JBC, Hakko or Metcal then you are using it wrong.
It's not an Apple iron. But yes, anything's possible, though it worked mostly okay for other holes.
If you can melt the solder use these:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Hollow-needles-desoldering-tool-for-electronic-components-/370723601236
Why hollow, less heat loss? Will the handles stand the needles being heated directly?
I prefer plain old hss twist bits.
As opposed to what other types?
Silicone tube: Where do you get it?
Nozzle cleaners: Are these just variable-size needles?
Pin vise: Any recommend/not recommended types? Will these hold most drill bit types?
Preheater: I'm not doing it often enough to warrant getting the gear. I assume it SHOULD be possible to somehow do it without.
I'll try making a hot-needle implement; but where are all the corks when you need them...
By the way, I had a go at another board and most annoyingly I'm stuck at about the same point. 3 caps removed, 4 holes cleaned, 1 hole open but too narrow, 1 hole blocked. Like the first board, cap removal and all initial holes went mostly smooth.