undo hot glue?

[dasein]

I figured this question was different enough from my chassis question to deserve a separate thread...

I was wondering if there's hot glue on a PCB that I put to stabilize a solder joint is there a way to undo it? Can I just take my soldering iron and melt through it or will it make a carbonized mess on the tip of my iron?

Thanks!

 

[wrenchone]

Of course It'll make a big mess if you don't wipe the tip off immediately - that's what wet sponges are for. Fortunately/unfortunately, most hot glues pop right off with sufficient persuasion at room temperature. Getting them cold makes it even easier. The only one I've ever had any difficulty with is the cream-colored stuff sold by Stanley for gluing wood - that has some sticking power. Even that one can be peeled off a board with persistence.

 

[Mooly]

Agree with Wrenchone...hot melt glue usually pulls off with cutters or pliers.
The stuff used on some commercial gear used to give problems becoming conductive under certain conditions... best avoided all together IMO.

 

[Enzo]

Generally I find if you spray the hot melt with your can of freeze-spray, it then easily shatters. That trick also works on bubblegum stuck to things.