🧰 What is Desoldering Wick?
Desoldering wick, also known as solder braid, is a fine copper wire braided flat and often coated with flux. It is used to remove excess solder from electronic components and circuit boards. The braid works by absorbing melted solder through capillary action when heated with a soldering iron.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Desoldering wick | Removes unwanted solder |
| Soldering iron | Heats the wick and solder |
| Flux (optional) | Improves heat transfer |
| Tweezers or pliers | Holds the wick safely |
| Scissors | Trims used wick |
| Soldering mat/workstation | Protects your workspace |
🔧 How to Use Desoldering Wick – Step by Step
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Plug in your soldering iron and let it reach the desired temperature (typically around 350–400°C for lead-based solder).
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Place the desoldering wick on the solder joint you want to remove.
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Press the heated soldering iron tip onto the wick, directly over the solder joint.
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As the solder melts, it will be drawn into the braid.
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Lift both the iron and the wick straight up gently after 1–2 seconds.
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If needed, repeat the process with a fresh section of the wick.
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Trim the used portion of the wick with scissors before reuse.
✅ Tip: Apply a small amount of flux to the wick beforehand for better results, especially on lead-free solder.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Pressing too hard | Can damage PCB pads |
| Holding heat too long | May overheat components |
| Not trimming used braid | Used braid doesn’t absorb effectively |
| Using too low temperature | Solder won't melt or flow into the wick |
🆚 Desoldering Wick vs. Solder Sucker
| Feature | Desoldering Wick | Solder Sucker (Pump) |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | High | Moderate |
| Ideal for | Fine-pitch components | Large solder blobs |
| Learning curve | Easier for beginners | Requires timing coordination |
| Cost | Low | Medium |
👉 Many repair technicians prefer using both tools depending on the job!
🛒 Recommended Desoldering Wick for You
Looking for a high-quality wick? Check out our Onzuu Copper Desoldering Wick – available in multiple widths, pre-fluxed, and ready for all your repair projects.
📌 Final Thoughts
Using a desoldering wick is one of the safest and cleanest methods to remove solder. Whether you're fixing electronics, replacing components, or learning basic soldering skills, a good quality wick is essential for success.
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