Soldering Tip: Spatula Shape (SMD)

How to use SMD Spatula Shape + Examples

SMD Shape Spatula

There are 3 types of SMD Rework Tips: Quad, Tunnel and Spatula.

The spatula type is capable of heating multiple pins or lead wires at once and is used for rework of SMDs, mainly for thermo-compression of Printed Wiring Boards (P.W.B.) and soldering shield cases or connectors.

How to remove connectors

  1. Apply flux to the leads
  2. Place the spatula tip against the joints, warming it up
  3. Allow the solder to melt, releasing the connector
  4. Remove the connector using tweezers etc 

Cleaning after removal of BGA

SMD Removal

  1. Apply flux 
  2. Place the spatula tip on the P.W.B on an angle
  3. Move the tip slowly across and lift up quickly when done

Tips for removing connectors

SMD Spatula Tip Removal

Selecting Spatula Tip Size

Select the head not by the number of pins but by the package size [length x width x height] including legs.
SMD Spatula Applying Solder

Applying Solder

Applying sufficient solder to the tip ends makes removing the component easier.
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