Kitpedia

Desoldering wick & pump

Soldering Supplies

Copper braid and a spring-loaded solder sucker — how solder comes back off the board.

Approx. cost
$5–$25
Weight
2–5 oz
Used in
1 kit

Purpose

Remove solder to correct mistakes, salvage components, and clear through-holes.

Used in kits

Alternatives

  • Powered desoldering gun— The repair-shop upgrade for heavy through-hole work.
  • Hot air station— The surface-mount route; a different technique entirely.

Maintenance notes

  • Trim used (silvered) braid off before each job.
  • Empty and wipe the pump nozzle; replace the tip seal when suction fades.

Buying considerations

  • Fluxed 2–2.5 mm braid covers most work; a basic aluminum pump outlives plastic ones.

Page history & editing

Revision status: approved Last edited 2026-07-15 by human editor