Technojunk salvage tips

salvageTips.jpg
Here are some useful tips on salvaging components from old electronics. I especially like the idea of using the bottoms of water bottles to create clear, stackable parts bins.

Tool Tip: How to Salvage PCB Parts - Link


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Posted by: Pete Marchetto on February 20, 2008 at 4:16 PM

Has anyone ever seen how in a few episodes of Firefly, they use exactly this sort of thing (cut down water bottles) as glasses in bars? Talk about propmaking on the cheap!


Posted by: Almost_There on February 20, 2008 at 5:20 PM

I usually just get the joint good and hot, then quickly slap the PCB on the table. Momentum makes the liquid solder splatter on the table and (after repeating two or three times) you can easily remove the part.


Posted by: thomas veil on February 21, 2008 at 1:47 AM

So what about ESD?
It's a good idea for resistors and such, but never put your active component in regular plastic box or you risk to fry them.
At least, put a grounded plate at the bottom.


Posted by: John Honniball on February 21, 2008 at 7:44 AM

The comment about ESD (electro-static discharge) is a good one. Most modern chips can be damaged by static electricity, such as you might generate with plastic containers like this. You could keep the chips in conductive foam (usually black in colour) or you could use aluminium foil.


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