Updates ....
I decided not to use any solvent, as this glue is so sticky, worry it will soften too much, and part of it got dissolved more in the solvent, turning into lower viscosity liquid that might sip in under the connector's pins, or spread and run under the surrounding smd components, and worst created a soft new sticky layer of this nasty glue covering the board area.
![Face Palm :palm:](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/facepalm.gif)
Also possibly it will turn into corrosive substance as others pointed out at later date, definitely a no no.
Thanks to SeanB on the idea of freezing the glue
![ThumbsUp :-+](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/icon_smile_thumbsup.gif)
, yes, it works, but not perfect though. It still needs quite some elbow grease, but the work is significantly easier than before.
The reason is, once the glue is freezed, the picking/yanking/scraping process will be a lot easier, as bigger sized chunks just came off rather than small pieces by pieces which is really painful task to do.
I will just let the photos to tell the story ...
![](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/help-needed-how-to-removeclean-off-these-annoying-glue-easily/?action=dlattach;attach=275127;image)
Here a TO-220 chip as size reference, just watch closely the small pieces that I put on the IC's pin, those are the pieces that chipped off when its at room temperature.
![](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/help-needed-how-to-removeclean-off-these-annoying-glue-easily/?action=dlattach;attach=275129;image)
I used this technique as I think its effective, 1st, use a sharp needle point to tear down or penetrate the glue, beware of PCB traces or any other weak surface if any below the glue. Once penetrated and torn, use a sharp tweezer to pull or sort of yank it off thru the glue opening.
![](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/help-needed-how-to-removeclean-off-these-annoying-glue-easily/?action=dlattach;attach=275131;image)
The push pin needle, and the sharp tweezers are the tool I need to get the job done. The serrated tweezers will make it bite & grip the glue stronger, and wont slip off easily compared to non serrated one. Again, TO-220 as size reference for you to imagine the size I was working on.
![](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/help-needed-how-to-removeclean-off-these-annoying-glue-easily/?action=dlattach;attach=275133;image)
An improvisation, as I don't have freezer spray, I used the butane cartridge from the portable stove, and the nozzle from my shaving cream.
![Evil >:D](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/evil.gif)
LOL ... It freezed out the glue effectively on a really short burst. (yes, I tried it at other part 1st) Don't worry, did it at my back yard windy garden with open sky.
Warning to other readers, using the butane gas this way, is very-very dangerous as its highly inflammable, and I am not responsible for any accidents that may harm or kill you or burn down your house. And remember, if you're going to use this method, make sure you do it out door in a well ventilated place.Hope this will be useful to others someday.