desoldering

thumb|right|Solders can be removed using a vacuum plunger (on the right) and a soldering iron. In electronics, desoldering is the removal of soldered components from a circuit board for troubleshooting, repair, replacement, and salvage. Desoldering involves breaking the soldered connection between component and board, typically by reflowing and removing the solder, allowing the component to be removed and potentially replaced if needed.

Specific tools and techniques used for desoldering a component vary depending on the type of component (through-hole or surface-mount) and on whether the component needs to be recovered with or without damage. These include the use of soldering irons or heat guns to reflow the solder, and vacuum pumps or desoldering braid to remove the melted solder.