How to remove Header pins

Difficulty

TEST & TOOLS

Summary

Many off-the-shelf modules have header pins that can be difficult to work with, whether they are facing the right way or are the wrong configuration (vertical instead of horizontal, vice versa.) - Sometimes it can be easier for you to use wires instead of header pins, and you need a way to remove the existing header pins without causing damage to the module or causing a mess with a pair of side-cutters.

Removing the header pins is actually a very easy process when you remember that metal doesn't stick to plastic too well.

Table of Contents

Tools needed
Step by Step instruction
Images
Preparing to pull pin out of pad once soldering iron is applied
Applying new solder to mop up old solder, as well as flux
Cleaning with solder wick and solder sucker to remove solder
Using alcohol to scrub off residual flux

Tools needed

Soldering iron
Vice, or something to grasp onto the module firmly.
Needle-nose pliers.

For cleaning:

Solder wick, Alcohol, old toothbrush.

Step by Step instruction

Mount the module firmly in a vice, with the pins facing downwards. If they are right angle pins, bend them with a pair of pliers to be facing straight down.
Heat up the soldering iron and grip the pin firmly with a pair of pliers.
Apply heat to the solder joint for around 2-3 seconds , and gently pull downwards on the pin to pull it out of the solder pad. It should also slip out of the black plastic fairly easily as well. pulling too hard or fast can pull the pad off the board.
Repeat for remaining pins.
Apply fresh solder across the old pads, to mop up old junk and refresh the metals.
Use a solder wick (and solder sucker if you wish) to mop and remove the new solder so that there is no trace of solder.
Spray with alcohol and scrub with a brush or cloth to clean up any residual flux.
Done!