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From freem


This conversation was exported from ChatGPT[1]

gpt-5-1[edit | edit source]

User: MOSFET desoldering heat blower[edit | edit source]

MOSFET desoldering heat blower

Assistant: Here’s a clear, practical guide for desoldering a MOSFET using a heat blower hot-air rework station — useful for PCBs, …[edit | edit source]

Here’s a clear, practical guide for desoldering a MOSFET using a heat blower (hot-air rework station) — useful for PCBs, motherboards, power boards, etc.

✅ Tools You Need[edit | edit source]

  • Hot-air rework station (heat blower)
  • Flux (very important — reduces melting temp & protects pads)
  • Tweezers or small pliers
  • Aluminum tape or heat-resistant tape (optional)
  • Soldering iron (optional but useful)
  • Kapton tape (optional, protects nearby components)

🔥 Heat Blower Settings[edit | edit source]

Typical starting point:

For standard MOSFETs on normal PCBs[edit | edit source]
  • Temperature: 320–380 °C
  • Airflow: Medium
  • Distance: 1–2 cm from component
For motherboards / heavy copper power boards[edit | edit source]
  • Temperature: 380–420 °C
  • Preheat bottom of board if possible
  • These boards have thick copper layers that soak heat.

🛠️ Steps to Desolder a MOSFET (Correct Way)[edit | edit source]

1. Protect Nearby Components[edit | edit source]

Use Kapton tape or aluminium tape to cover parts you don’t want to heat.

2. Apply Flux Around the MOSFET[edit | edit source]

Flux is essential. It lowers the melt point of the solder and reduces pad damage.

3. Preheat the Area[edit | edit source]

Hold the heat blower 5–8 cm away for 5–10 seconds to prewarm the PCB.

This reduces thermal shock.

4. Focus Heat on the MOSFET[edit | edit source]

Move the nozzle in circular motion around the MOSFET. Stay 1–2 cm above the component.

Time needed:

  • Small MOSFETs: 10–20 sec
  • Large MOSFETs or power boards: 20–50 sec
5. Lift the MOSFET Gently[edit | edit source]

Use tweezers to lightly lift one corner.

  • If it doesn’t lift easily, DO NOT force it.
  • Continue heating 5–10 seconds and try again.

Forcing causes pad lifting, which is the biggest mistake.

6. Clean Up Pads[edit | edit source]

After removal:

  • Add a bit of fresh solder
  • Heat with iron
  • Wick away solder using copper wick
  • Add flux and clean with IPA

Pads should look shiny and flat.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid[edit | edit source]

| Mistake | Why it's bad | | --------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | | Overheating >20–30 seconds continuously | Can burn pads or delaminate PCB | | Pulling MOSFET before solder melts | Pads will tear off | | Airflow too strong | Blows off nearby SMD components | | No flux | Harder to melt; high risk of damage | | Heating only one side | Uneven expansion causes stress |

🧰 Bonus Tips[edit | edit source]

✔ For through-hole MOSFETs[edit | edit source]

Use a combination of:

  • Hot-air from bottom
  • Soldering iron on each leg
  • Solder sucker/wick
✔ For MOSFETs with large thermal pads (PowerMOS, DPAK, QFN)[edit | edit source]

You need higher heat + more time because the heat pad absorbs energy.

If you want, I can also provide:[edit | edit source]

  • Step-by-step re-installation guide
  • Recommended hot-air stations
  • Troubleshooting (pads lifted, board burnt, MOSFET stuck)
  • Exact temperature for your MOSFET model (if you tell me the PCB type)

Would you like that?

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "MOSFET desoldering guide". ChatGPT. Retrieved 2025-12-13.