Desoldering plate-mounts without a pump

[trenzafeeds]

I need to desolder some plate-mount switches. I'm currently out of working pumps. No, I haven't got any spare copper wire to wick with, before you suggest it. Anyone have any other methods?

[FrostyToast]

Well if you want you can heat up both joints while simultaneously prying out the switch.
However, you should not do this unless the PCB you are working with is disposable. Leaving solder on the pcb is dumb and it can also flow to places you don't want it to.

[ika]

Might be a long shot but if you're into photography, those air blower things (like this) can be used as solder suckers in a pinch. Otherwise I'd say to just get one on Amazon with Prime or something.

[FrostyToast]

just get one on Amazon with Prime or something.

This. No one needs to desolder switches so badly they can't wait a couple days.

[trenzafeeds]

Well if you want you can heat up both joints while simultaneously prying out the switch.

They're plate mount

Otherwise I'd say to just get one on Amazon with Prime or something.

There are already some coming, I was just bored. Thanks for the responses anyway!

[radish]

just get one on Amazon with Prime or something.

This. No one needs to desolder switches so badly they can't wait a couple days.

Absolutely agree here. The head ache you save yourself I can't even describe. It will be the Best 5$ you'll spend on wick. Maybe rosin to but yea... Don't rush it and try to do it with out the proper tools. I wouldn't anyhow. Best of luck.

[burn1nsun]

I tried this, its very hard and annoying compared to doing that with a pump. Thanks to this my caps lock doesnt work right now too. Because it had leds and it was hard to desolder. I didn't desolder it though.

[bazemk1979]

always use pump, I think radioshack sells them for $15 on ebay, also don't forget to get few spare tips if you need to desolder a whole board

[FrostyToast]

Well if you want you can heat up both joints while simultaneously prying out the switch.

They're plate mount

Well for that trick the mounting is no real issue.
It's slightly harder with plate mount but all you need to do is pry out the switch with a screwdriver from the underside.

[trenzafeeds]

Well if you want you can heat up both joints while simultaneously prying out the switch.

They're plate mount

Well for that trick the mounting is no real issue.
It's slightly harder with plate mount but all you need to do is pry out the switch with a screwdriver from the underside.

Ouch, not sure I'd attempt that. It's fine though, my solder pump has arrived in the mail.