"William Sommerwerck" wrote in message
...
I did this a few years ago when I had to remove a DIP and a five-lead
TO-cased buffer from the top of a board.

The TO package came lose with a pair of cutters. I don't remember how I
removed the DIP, but I'm pretty certain I used a cutoff disk. (Even if you
have fine-tipped cutters, you run the risk of damaging the board from the
force exerted.) I don't remember what I did about the fine shavings (if
there were any).

I have been using this from Home Depot
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Xcelite-4...5#.UtRwxiFEOgM

They are only $ 13.97 and include a needle nose pliers. They cut dip leads
just fine and are cheap enough to keep a few sets around. It is a good
bench set of tools.