Unsoldering wires from a can type cap...

[BobRuth]

I know this probably sounds dumb, but here I am... the guy with training and theory, but no practical experience!

I am working on reconditioning a 1961 Ampeg Reverberocket R12R (6V6 outputs!).

First off this old Ampeg has a lot of stuff crammed into a very small chassis!!!  I'm trying to get the 4 section can cap out and it seems like Ampeg let the Boy Scouts practice knot tying before they applied the solder!  You heat it .... it liquefies... but absolutely does NOT want to come loose!

Has anyone got any tips of the trade for this?

First, does anyone waste time desoldering or do you generally just nip the wire close to the pin and "be done with it"?

As short as these wires are and as tight as that chassis is... I would imagine that if I cut the wire, I am going to have to replace the wires when putting the new one in.

Why am I sitting here.... thinking to myself... "Patience Grasshopper!"

[sluckey]

It's never a step 1, 2, 3 operation. Use a solder sucker or de-soldering braid. Carefully unwrap each wire or component lead. Be patient. Takes practice and a desire to do nice work.

[DummyLoad]

i use a an exacto knife to help unwrap. the blade doesn't absorb as much heat as a screwdriver + you can dig in behind the wire easier. work fast but with care. too much heat melts insulation.  reflow & de-solder, reflow & unwrap, reflow & remove. repeat for each wire attached to the lug. use a jeweler's screwdriver if you don't have an exacto knife.


--pete

[rake]

A dental pic also helps with the un-knotting.

[BobRuth]

Been a couple of days since I checked and I thank you for the responses.   I do have a couple of small precision screwdrivers that are not particularly sacred.... that might work fine.  Thank you all for the hints.