PCB component removal technique

[Amie]

So reading between the lines not a lot of good for 30's valve radios with big bloby solder joints.  More a tool for PCBs.

Is this a reasonable summary?

thanks Gary

Hi Gary.

The compressed air method would be fine, apart from the solder dust that it blows off. If that got into a switch or pot it could conceivably do some mischief. I replaced a capacitor in a ER battery set 'properly' using this method. The wire was able to just be unwrapped from the tags, but the time spent OTJ was packing rag around it to stop the flying debris. I find it amazing how cleanly it clears the joint of solder.

Cleaning up PCBs after the fact is easier, so yes, it is more suited.

If you try it, mind that you don't ingest it or get it in anyones eyes.

Regards.
Amie.