Easy way to remove solder from old track

[trainstop]

Is there a way to remove old solder from previously used track?

[jacobo]

 Active Electronics or other such outlet, Buy coil of rosened wick. Will suck the old solder right up

 

Jacobo

[TomDiehl]

jacobo

 Active Electronics or other such outlet, Buy coil of rosened wick. Will suck the old solder right up

 

Jacobo

The main problem with solder wick is that it leaves a heavy flux residue (it's a brass braid with a dried flux intertwined). The best method is a solder vacuum. You can pick these up for a few dollars and they're totally reusable, I have one I've been using for about 20 years. This is what they look like:

http://www.apogeekits.com/desoldering_pump_vtd2.htm

Just do a Google search for "solder sucker" and you'll get lots of hits. Simple to operate and works in conjunction with your soldering iron.

[dstarr]

 I just heat up the rail with a soldering iron, get the old solder to melt.  Then give the piece of track a quick flick with the hand and the molten solder will fly off.  Don't do this in a room that you care about, the molten solder will do bad things to rugs, carpets, and furniture.  Cellar, out of doors, or the garage it more like it.

 

[loathar]

Clamp the track down. Heat the soldered section and quickly swipe it with a small brass or other metal brush. "Quickly" being the operative word.

[novicerr]

 I bought my solder sucker from Radio Shack for under $10 if I remember correctly, just a couple of months ago.

[trainstop]

 Thanks everyone for the input! I am on my way to Radio Shack.

[Kenfolk]

Huh. All this modern technology. That Radio Shack tool looks very clever.  When I first started working with solder some  decades ago, I had a rubbery bulb looking thing like you'd find on a turkey baster, without the long tube, squeezed it and drew in the solder as it was released.  I gotta get out more.

[loathar]

Kenfolk

Huh. All this modern technology. That Radio Shack tool looks very clever.  When I first started working with solder some  decades ago, I had a rubbery bulb looking thing like you'd find on a turkey baster, without the long tube, squeezed it and drew in the solder as it was released.  I gotta get out more.

And those old bulb types still work the best. Bad thing is they are made for pinpoint removal like resistors and such. They still leave quite a bit of solder behind. I have my doubts as to how well they will clean the ends of rails.

[Medina1128]

The next time you're at Radio Shack, check out their solder aids. There's a tool with a small brush on one end. I never suggest "flicking" solder off. And as with any tool, a set of goggles are invaluable. Don't ask...

[davemiller7]

The rosin flux residue from solder wick is easily removed with alcohol and a small stiff bristle brush, like an acid brush. I've been in electronics for many years and highly recommend the solder wick method. The solder sucker is kinda clumsy in many places. If you're using it on a finished layout, be careful not to knock over buildings, accessories, etc.