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
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.
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
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.