Introduction: Remove Perf Board Components

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Alright so you've caught the linear circuit building bug but no worries; it happens to the best of us.

In this Instructable, I'll teach you how to harvest the components from other perf boards and printed circuit boards like this one (thank you pfred2) . You can find old boards in microwaves, TVs, old computers, or a battery backup like the one I used.

All the supplies I had on hand.

Note: Perfboard is board with just a grid of holes in it. When you have copper traces it is a printed circuit board then. Unless it is Veroboard, which is a special kind of experimenters board.Veroboard is like fancy perfboard. Received this from a fellow Instructor...

Step 1: Gather Supplies

  • Heat Gun (about 15 bucks at Harbor Freight)
  • Old Perfboard
  • Pliers
  • Candle Stand (Optional)

Step 2: Now We're Cooking

Place the heat gun in the candle stand or hold it on the side opposite the components. After a few minutes you'll notice that the solder begins to liquify.

Remove the board from the heat and gently tap it with pliers or a screwdriver. (Anything else will work.)

Place back in the heat and repeat. I eventually used the pliers to hold the board and banged in on my desk to make the components fall out.

Step 3: Collect Your Components

Now collect your components. You could use a magnet which will capture and retain any components minus a few due to aluminum use.

I hope you've enjoyed this instructable.