The definitive rom/dip extractor tool

[rjd324]

I don't like using the screwdriver and I am not fond of the pronged extractor tool.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-O...-127632-2357-0

Does anyone know where to get this for a reasonable price for uk?

Does it actually work well?

[Jope]

These work really well, but only if the chip has been recently installed.

If it is stuck in there with oxidation, then the tool will just slip and you will need to use a flat bladed screwdriver.

So in the end my choice is always the screwdriver. It's a fast and convenient tool for this job and it works for old and new chips. When used correctly, no damage is done to anything. However if you just jam it in there, you'll probably scrape the circuit board. As always, there's a technique. :-)

[cmorley]

Mouser sell Jonard EX-2 (https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDeta...kXI5%252BFI%3D) perhaps RS of Farnell do, I haven't checked.

I have one, they are brilliant - especially if there are capacitors or other components blocking access to the ends of the chips. If a chip has been in 30+ years then I'd likely free it up with a metal spudger rather than use the EX-2.

[Jope]

A small pry bar makes it a bit more ergonomic than using a flat blade, if it is important to have a special tool for this.

https://toolguyd.com/wiha-chip-lifter-and-mini-pry-bar/

[ajk]

For stuck chips I use the large screwdriver blade of a Swiss army knife. Works well as a wedge/prying tool, and all the edges are nicely rounded so it's very hard to scratch anything with it.

[Daedalus]

Originally Posted by ajk

For stuck chips I use the large screwdriver blade of a Swiss army knife. Works well as a wedge/prying tool, and all the edges are nicely rounded so it's very hard to scratch anything with it.

Ha, that's exactly what I use too The edges are indeed nicely rounded for the job.

Yeah, those extractors do work quite well, but they're not that cheap - that listing is probably as cheap as you'd get anywhere, but as has been said, the major electronics suppliers should stock it - certainly Digikey did when I last looked.