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How to Remove an SMD Transistor

A transistor is an electronic component used extensively in all kinds of electronic circuits, such as televisions, cell phones and computers. Transistors are available in two types of packaging: through-hole or surface mount device, or SMD. A through-hole type transistor has leads for soldering. An SMD transistor, on the other hand, has terminals instead of leads for making connections. These terminals are soldered directly on the pads of the printed circuit board, or PCB. You can remove an SMD transistor from a PCB with the help of a soldering iron.

Things You'll Need

PCB
Soldering iron
Copper braid
Wire cutter
Tweezers

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the soldering iron on and set it at a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
  Place the PCB on a flat, dry surface with the component side facing up.
- 3
  Identify the SMD transistor to be removed from the board. The transistor will have three terminals soldered to the pads on the board. You have to desolder these terminals to remove the transistor.
- 4
  Place the copper braid on any one of the terminals of the transistor and press it gently with the soldering iron tip. Within four to five seconds, the solder will melt and be absorbed by the copper braid. Wait until all the solder on the pad has been absorbed by the braid. Retract the braid and place the soldering iron tip back in its holder. Cut off the front part of the copper braid that has absorbed the solder, using a wire cutter. Repeat this process to desolder the other two terminals.
- 5
  Lift the transistor off the board with the tweezers.

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