How to Remove a Pin Header: THT, Right-Angle and SMT Without Lifting Pads

Power down first

Live unmating arcs power pins and lifts copper that has not melted. These steps are lab and service methods, not a production WI.

Through-hole

• Do not expect one sucker to clear a full row. Cut the insulator so each pin is free, then heat and extract one pin at a time. Do not twist the barrel.
• On two-sided pads, flux the back and extract from the front so one side is not solid while you pull.
• Do not sand gold pins or plated holes.

Right-angle

The horizontal arm is a lever. Prying the plastic lifts pads. Melt the joints fully or cut the housing and treat pins one by one. Unplug the cable first.

SMT

Heat the perimeter until all joints are liquid, then lift straight up. A locating peg still in the hole will shear pads if you pull sideways. Respect lead-free temperature and neighboring parts.

After removal

No lifted copper, pads intact, no charred mask — then fit a new part. A ripped pad needs a via or a proper bodge, not a solder blob as a life fix.

If the same site is reworked often, the interface is wrong: use a latched header or add hardware. Junjia can recommend a structure so the PCB is not the spare part.