Desoldering question

[pixelpusher]

What I want to do is desolder all of the cherry red switches from a CM board and replace them with zealios switches.  I've successfully desoldered about 1/2 of a custom board in the past (trying to get to the cherry stabilizers that I forgot to clip) and I didn't have any issues with pads.  However, I have also desolder LEDs on about 20 switches and unfortunately ended up lifting the pads on 4 of them.

Did I just get lucky with the switches the first time, or are the switch pads more durable than the led pads?  Anyone with experience in mass desoldering? Should I try it and risk ruining the board?

[keytohopiness]

LEDs are tough.  Need a good solder sucker.

[tp4tissue]

get the LARGE spring pump style solder sucker..   don't use the small ones.. they don't have as good a suction power.

[OfTheWild]

The holes for LED are pretty tight compared to switches. I found that i had to take the LED out while heating the what appears to be clean hole. I would say even after multiple solder sucks and some pushing the wire around till its loose... its still probably holding on somewhere in there.

[tp4tissue]

The holes for LED are pretty tight compared to switches. I found that i had to take the LED out while heating the what appears to be clean hole. I would say even after multiple solder sucks and some pushing the wire around till its loose... its still probably holding on somewhere in there.

yea, sometimes you get the solder flow to the other side..

[jcoffin1981]

I've desoldered 2 boards with LED's and I just wont do it again as it's a PITA and not worth the effort.  Even when you learn some some skill LED's can take multiple attempts which can peel up the pads.  It can help to add a little solder to the mound before sucking.  Some boards also have delicate pads.

I've gotten the LED's to work with destroyed pads by sliding a very thin gauge wire down the hole and wiggling it until you find contact (it lights up) and then soldering it in place.  I haven't heard of this as an accepted practice but I don't know of another way.  I don't think you can wire them together like you can switches as it will affect other lights.