DESOLDERING BRAID / SOLDER WICK

Desoldering braid, also known as desoldering wick or solder wick, is fine, braided 18 to 42 AWG copper wire coated with rosin flux, on a roll.

The end of the length of desoldering braid is positioned over the solder to be taken off and the section in contact with the joint is heated with a soldering iron or soldering gun. As it is heated, the solder melts and is wicked into the desoldering braid. The braid is then taken away while the solder is still in liquid form, and the used part of the solder wick is cut off and thrown away when it has cooled down. Short cut lengths of desoldering braid can be used to keep heat from being carried away by the desoldering wick instead of heating the joint.