On Oct 30, 2012, at 12:25 PM, Keith Monahan wrote: Maybe. I use two tiny jeweller's screwdrivers in the extraction slots to pry it out, which is essentially what the tool is doing. Try not to do it with just one, because you'll risk bending the leads; use both simultaneously to pry it out vertically. - Dave

On Tue, Oct 30, 2012 at 12:25 PM, Keith Monahan <keithvz at verizon.net> wrote: You can frequently get away with this a small number of times, but it's not difficult to crack the socket doing this. Each time is a new risk. Yes. I don't know model numbers or brands, but I've seen two kinds - the really cheap ones are really just large specialty tweezers - a bend of flat metal with hooks. The more expensive kind is multiple metal and plastic parts with pivot points and leverage and a more-or-less up-and-down approach to inserting and securing the corners of the PLCC part. Those are nice. I think I've seen them around $10-$15. Be sure to get the size that fits your parts. Not all sizes of extraction tools works with multiple sizes of PLCC parts, and using a tool that's too small and "spread to fit" can result in odd stresses that could crack the socket from the non-vertical component of your lift vector. -ethan

On 10/30/2012 12:25 PM, Keith Monahan wrote: They are a good bit safer and much easier to use. The big deal is pulling it out straight, otherwise the pins can get bent at the chip body, and the sockets may crack. I have a few of them, fairly generic, I don't see any manufacturers' identification on them. I got them via Mouser probably 10-11 years ago before they started popping up everywhere. I can send you a pic if that would be helpful. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA

On 10/30/2012 09:25 AM, Keith Monahan wrote: Yes, I'd recommend one if you're going to do much of this. In a pinch, I made one from a 14 gauge bicycle spoke, but that's because I couldn't find my regular tool and was in a hurry. Radio Shack sells an extractor tool, as does OK. Basically, they're pretty much the same in operation as the cheap Far East models. If you want to go deluxe, then investigate the Hakko/CHP extractors. Very different in operation from the usual stuf--and not "universal"--you buy a tool for each size of PLCC--at about $50 per. I had an opportunity to use the one for 68 pin PLCCs and it was a beautiful piece of work and operated very well. But too rich for the few times I actually need to use one. --Chuck

On Tue, 30 Oct 2012, Keith Monahan wrote: Absolutely. Not only are you quite likely to crack the socket with screwdrivers, the screwdriver approach will often nick/chip the corners of the PLCC device. Some of the really cheap PLCC extractors can chip the PLCC device too though. I own a couple that were made by OK Industries, which was bought out awhile back by Jonard. They still make them: http://www.jonard.com/jonard-ecommerce/control/product/~product_id=11029 http://www.jonard.com/jonard-ecommerce/control/product/~product_id=11028