High density non-destructive connector desoldering suggestions

[HalFoster]

I am needing to remove and the replace the connector shown below on a few (~5) boards without damaging either the existing pads or the adjacent circuitry.  It is a 6-8 layer board and fine pitch traces - standard de-soldering methods seem risky so I am hoping that someone here has experience with similar situations and can offer advice.

Thank you!

Hal

[inse]

One safe method without special equipment would be to cut off every pin as far away from the pcb as possible.
Apply flux on the solder joints, put the pcb vertical and remove pin by pin with soldering iron and tweezers.
Then carefully clean each hole with desoldering gun or wick.
Time consuming but safest method for the pcb.

[tooki]

I would mill a copper block to have a small well for each pin, as well as bored holes for some heating elements. Fill each pin well with solder. This becomes a giant desoldering tip that melts every pin simultaneously. (I have such things for DIP ICs, and my old job had them for some larger connectors too.)

Or use a solder bath.

[tooki]

One safe method without special equipment would be to cut off every pin as far away from the pcb as possible.
Apply flux on the solder joints, put the pcb vertical and remove pin by pin with soldering iron and tweezers.
Then carefully clean each hole with desoldering gun or wick.
Time consuming but safest method for the pcb.

The desoldering blocks* (and similar methods like solder baths) are even gentler, since there’s no risk of mechanical shock damage from snipping pins.


*”Entlötstempel”, they are called in German.

[inse]

I agree, but my proposal included the phrase „no special equipment“.
Mechanical shock can be avoided by dremeling off the pins with a small cutting disc.
It may be challenging to apply the block evenly over all the pins taking into consideration the size of this connector.
Still the task of cleaning every hole remains.
Btw, what‘s the problem with the connector?
I didn’t notice signs of wear and tear.

[factory]

Btw, what‘s the problem with the connector?
I didn’t notice signs of wear and tear.

Maybe that is a good board and the others have broken pins, this did happen with boards at work, though I think 64 pins was the most anything had.
As the connectors we had were damaged, I would usually cut the pins & remove on by one, then add some fresh solder and desolder with a Pace desoldering iron.
Removing connectors complete was possible with the Pace, then checking each pin was loose before removing, repeat adding fresh solder if they weren't loose. You do have to be careful, other people would get impatient & cause damage, desoldering tip needs to be in good condition too.
Lining up the connector pins was fun too for those round pin connectors, especially if there wasn't the other half available to hold them.

David

[langwadt]

I would mill a copper block to have a small well for each pin, as well as bored holes for some heating elements. Fill each pin well with solder. This becomes a giant desoldering tip that melts every pin simultaneously. (I have such things for DIP ICs, and my old job had them for some larger connectors too.)

Or use a solder bath.

might as well make it one big well and just stick it on a hotplate

[amyk]

I'd use a suction desoldering iron. Hakko FR-301 or equivalent.

[tooki]

I would mill a copper block to have a small well for each pin, as well as bored holes for some heating elements. Fill each pin well with solder. This becomes a giant desoldering tip that melts every pin simultaneously. (I have such things for DIP ICs, and my old job had them for some larger connectors too.)

Or use a solder bath.

might as well make it one big well and just stick it on a hotplate

I think that’s called a “solder bath”.

[Swake]

Woow, this is a challenge !

A solder bath sounds risky, would be realistic only if it is big enough and if solder contamination is no issue.

I'd go pin by pin. To limit thermal problems maybe also ask for an experienced helping hand as that would accelerate things. One person heats the stuff, the other pulls it out (gently of course).
Use liberal amounts of flux.
Use copper or aluminium tape to protect surrounding components from heat and physical damage. Kapton tape is also an option but does not dissipate heat as fast.

Hope you have a board to experiment with.

@HalFoster take picture of your undertaking!! Or better a time lapse video

Good luck

[langwadt]

https://youtu.be/DyNVgOVDarA?si=IDVx323nQzuXp28-&t=37

[Simmed]

i think, low melt solder will be helpful at this
i know someone who uses a hot air gun as a general board heater 
you never know