How to solder/de-solder LEDs

[Joboman]

help! i ended up busting all 3 LEDs on my ds by trying to desolder them.  it seemed like they were glued to the mobo because the entire LED was stuck, not just the connectors. in case i ever want to do this again, any tips on how to solder/desolder LEDs? they're too damn small!

[seikene]

Yeah, a few. Use a magnifying glass, no matter how well you think you can see em!. My dad showed me a trick (even though I still haven't got it to work) by tying a copper 18 wire to your soldering gun. IF done correctly, the heat will transfur to the soldering gun's tip, and will make it a bit easier for you since you'll have a smaller point to be able to de solder with. I think desoldering braid might help, even though it's very little solder and it can end up de soldering everything else if you don't set it up right. In any case, you've given me a bit of precaution, knowing that I can also  up my LED's, since I'm going to re-wire my LEDs to another spot.

[Joboman]

haha i dont really have to worry about desoldering anymore since i got no LEDs atm  right now, im waiting for my LEDs to arrive, it'll probably be easier to solder onto wires than to desolder from mobo right?

[TheMagnolia]

Please look at the "how to solder" guide in the Beginner's section, there's a part there especially for 0603 LED soldering