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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Dagrylls on Mon, 14 June 2021, 23:34:21

Title: Can I remove LED's by ripping them off?
Post by: Dagrylls on Mon, 14 June 2021, 23:34:21

So I'm replacing some switches from an old keyboard with ones. However, my new switches do not have a slot for an LED light. If I just rip the LED components off the PCB with pliers so my new switches fit onto the PCB would it cause problems with the circuitry? Attached are pictures for reference.

Title: Re: Can I remove LED's by ripping them off?
Post by: MIGHTY CHICKEN on Mon, 14 June 2021, 23:36:07

Assuming you rip them off cleanly, it should be fine? I have a g710 which I yoinked off the leds and still works fine

Title: Re: Can I remove LED's by ripping them off?
Post by: Dagrylls on Mon, 14 June 2021, 23:38:18

Alright I'll go for it! Thanks for the help!

Title: Re: Can I remove LED's by ripping them off?
Post by: vvp on Tue, 15 June 2021, 07:39:39

If you rip them off with pliers then you likely also damage (rip off) the PCB traces. This may or may not be a problem depending on the  PCB layout and how much of the PCB trace will be damaged. It is safer to de-solder the LEDs. LEDs do not have any important function most of the times.

Title: Re: Can I remove LED's by ripping them off?
Post by: LightningXI on Tue, 15 June 2021, 08:22:30

I would not rip them off and actually use an iron to desolder those off properly.

Title: Re: Can I remove LED's by ripping them off?
Post by: Leslieann on Tue, 15 June 2021, 23:05:48

Quote from: vvp on Tue, 15 June 2021, 07:39:39

If you rip them off with pliers then you likely also damage (rip off) the PCB traces. This may or may not be a problem depending on the  PCB layout and how much of the PCB trace will be damaged. It is safer to de-solder the LEDs. LEDs do not have any important function most of the times.

This would be my concern.
You can delaminate the pcb, yank of nearby traces... It's a good way to destroy a pcb to a point where it's really difficult to repair.

Title: Re: Can I remove LED's by ripping them off?
Post by: devilcry on Sat, 26 June 2021, 22:53:53

desolder is good move, but ripping the led without heat....bad move. It can kill your pcb if not carefully. heat is your friend, you can get $5 iron solder 40-60W, which is good.