extracting diode from heatsink: How do YOU do it?

Hey guys!

just wanting some opinions on the best/most efficient/fastest ways to extract a diode from a heatsink,
i use a mini hacksaw, its slow (mabs coz im a nub ) but it gets the job done

how do the pro's do it?

Re: extracting diode from heatsink: How do YOU do

for the fith time lol i use a pair of wire cutters then slowly chop away at heatsink till it falls out   ;D


oops you said pros i am not lol

Re: extracting diode from heatsink: How do YOU do

I just use a pair of side cutters, _usually_ its only very weak aluminium ...

Re: extracting diode from heatsink: How do YOU do

Depends on the heatsink really. One time I had to use a very small flat head screw driver and wedge the diode out. It took a while.

Re: extracting diode from heatsink: How do YOU do

Yeah I had a LOC diode I had to get out, the heatsink was hard as heck!

Re: extracting diode from heatsink: How do YOU do

aha, the heatsinks I've been dealing with have been really hard, killed a set of wire cutters

john, how hard are yours, like, do you need both hands on the cutters?

Re: extracting diode from heatsink: How do YOU do

It depends on the heat sink. For example the PHR heat sink can simply be grabbed with pliers on both sides and twisted gently. The metal simply breaks. The AD-112 must be cut on at least two sides so it can be pulled apart enough to loosen the diode.

When I have to cut the heat sink, I use the edge of a triangular fine file. That way there is less "jarring" of the diode.

Peace,
dave

Re: extracting diode from heatsink: How do YOU do

I do what dave does.. use 2 pliers and twist.

Re: extracting diode from heatsink: How do YOU do

Seams I have the odd one out here.

I either put it in a small vice or in some plyers and put an elastic band around it to hold it tight. Then juse use a file to slowly get rid of the heatsink.

You dont even have to file right down to the diode, once you get about half way it just cracks and the diode pops out.

Then I just find something to clean away the dust and problem solved! Downside is it does get mucky, thats the advantage of having electronics microscopes at work

Re: extracting diode from heatsink: How do YOU do

awesome, might try that one.

Re: extracting diode from heatsink: How do YOU do

Depends on the sled...
Some (most) heatsinks are made of a brittle aluminum alloy that you can snap apart with a couple sets of pliers or diagonal cutters. Others are made of sturdier metals or the heatsink is part of the sled or too big to snap... The best way to remove these is by finding a hollow metal tube that's the right size to fit between the diode and its heatsink and use that to press it out... You can use a dremel, but be careful not to overheat it or to cut into the diode itself.

A good source of metal tubes of varying gauges is a radio antenna. At least one of the segments should be the right size to press out a diode... Just be careful they're only strong in one direction and don't handle lateral force well, they just fold.