Introduction
If you love DIY electronics, you’ve probably come across old circuit boards full of valuable components just waiting to be reused. From capacitors and resistors to IC chips and transistors — many of these parts can still work perfectly! Instead of letting them go to waste, you can easily salvage electronic components using a ZTX solder pot — one of the fastest and easiest ways to desolder multiple parts at once.
In this post, we’ll show you how to salvage components from old boards using a cheap solder pot, plus a few tips, reviews, and hacks to make your salvaging experience efficient and safe.
Why Salvage Old Electronics?
Old circuit boards — from power supplies, PSUs, radios, and even obsolete machines — often contain rare and valuable electronic parts. Some vintage transistors, ICs, and relays are no longer produced but are still highly sought-after by hobbyists and repair technicians.
By learning how to remove and reuse parts, you not only save money but also help reduce e-waste. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and the planet!
What You’ll Need (DIY Salvage Kit)
To get started, gather the following tools and materials:
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ZTX Solder Pot (or similar small tin melting pot)
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Tweezers and pliers
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Heat-resistant gloves and safety glasses
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Old circuit boards or scrap electronics
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Flux and solder wick (optional for cleaning)
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Container for sorted components
This simple DIY desoldering kit is all you need to remove components fast from through-hole and surface mount (SMD) boards.
How to Use a Solder Pot (Step-by-Step Tutorial)
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Heat the Solder Pot
Plug in your ZTX solder pot and let the solder melt completely. The molten tin acts like a pool for quick desoldering. -
Prepare the Board
Cut your old circuit board into smaller sections. Focus on areas with valuable parts like ICs, transistors, or relays. -
Dip and Desolder
Hold the board with pliers and briefly dip the soldered side into the molten tin. Within seconds, the solder will melt, and the components will loosen. -
Remove and Sort Components
Use tweezers to lift the parts out quickly before the solder solidifies. Place them into sorted containers for resistors, capacitors, chips, and switches. -
Clean and Test
After salvaging, clean each component with isopropyl alcohol and test them with a multimeter before reusing them in your next project.
Why Use a Solder Pot?
Compared to traditional soldering irons or heat guns, a solder pot offers:
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Speed – Desolder multiple pins in seconds.
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Ease – Perfect for beginners and pros.
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Efficiency – Ideal for removing SMD and through-hole parts.
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Value – Salvage hundreds of components from scrap boards easily.
This makes it one of the best and fastest ways to desolder parts from old electronics — truly a game-changer for DIYers.
ZTX Solder Pot Review (NEODIY YouTube Video)
The ZTX Solder Pot is compact, heats up quickly, and can handle small-to-medium boards without issue. It’s affordable, durable, and perfect for DIY salvage projects.
You can check out the NEODIY YouTube video tutorial for a detailed how-to guide showing this tool in action — removing SMD chips, resistors, and capacitors effortlessly.
Where to Find Salvaged Parts
Here are some great sources for salvage boards and components:
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Old computer PSUs, routers, or motherboards
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Junk or scrap electronics markets
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Broken home appliances (TVs, radios, DVD players)
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Discarded industrial control boards
Many of these contain rare and valuable parts — perfect for repair projects or DIY inventions.
Conclusion
With a simple solder pot, you can salvage hundreds of reusable electronic components — cheaply, quickly, and safely. Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or repair enthusiast, learning how to desolder and reuse parts is a must-have skill in your DIY electronics toolkit.
If you’re ready to try it yourself, check out the ZTX solder pot review and NEODIY YouTube tutorial to see how easy and fast it can be to bring old boards back to life!
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