I use a de-soldering iron. Workss for me.
I have used the one sold by Radio Shack.
I have to replace the tip quite often as i gets worn out quickly.


"www.ChantCd.com" wrote in message
news:FhXMc.158622$a24.90789@attbi_s03...
I take off good stuff all the time - things worth more than 10cents (large
capacitors, switches, transformers, etc.) I just use a soldering iron,
with
a fan nearby and my windows open *grin*

It's a great source of goodies - I always leave the ceramic capacitors,
ICs,
and all resisitors alone though - they're not worth the trouble cost-wise.

Matthew

"*sigh*" wrote in message
. ..
Anyone have a few tips on recovering things like transistors,
thyristors,
coils and other parts from thrown transistor radios, VCR's and such?

A mini blow torch works fast but it gives a lot of smoke and often
destroy
the whole thing if I'm not careful. I have most success with grinding
away
some of the back of the print and simply pulling the components off with
the
'legs' still on but it's still rough and destroys some of the things I'm
after, in particular the smaller, brittle components.

I live close to a public 'recycling station' so I have access to tons of
weird electronics from both private/company stuff. The weirdest things
end
up there, just can't help messing around with it LOL I must admit I
prey
on the cable container too, my house is fitted with lots of reused stuff
like plugs and sockeys (my local electrician inspects it for me now and
then
so the insurance folks dont get too unhappy)

All useful input appreciated thanks