Robert Wolcott wrote:
What is the best method for desoldering components on circuit
boards? I know that there is the bulb method that sucks up
the solder, and the braided copper wire that wicks it up.

Bulbs and vaccuum plungers aren't very good except for removing a large
amount of solder from a joint because it's hard to get their tips close
enough to the solder with the iron in the way. It's safer to use braid
and a hot iron, either 50W and temperature controlled or 40W for 1-2
layer boards or 50W for 3+ layer boards -- too much heat is far safer
than too little. The braid should be narrow, .050-.080", and the used
part should be cut off right after each use or else the braid will
absorb too much heat away from the joint.

The Radio Shack 45W desoldering iron works well as long as you keep its
tip clean and unclogged, but when it's new you should remove any
flashing inside the hollow head between the tip and plunger for less
air restriction. 2 different replacement tips are sold for this, one
chromed, the other iron-plated, and the latter costs double but is
worth it because it lasts so much longer. But check any tip because
some have an off-center hole that will make the tip corrode through
sooner. Some people replace the rubber suction bulb with a
foot-operated tire pump with its check valve reversed, but if you try
this use rubber hose, not vinyl, which will melt and clog with solder,
and put a metal reservior and screen inline with the hose to catch the
solder and rosin.