How can I safely dismantle a motherboard?
Question by Varnster: How can I safely dismantle a motherboard?
I have been researching ways of taking apart computers and circuit boards/motherboards, as I am planning to create some ‘geek jewellery’ sometime soon to make some money. The person I am getting the motherboard from advises me to do a bit of research as there are some dangerous lead components and parts of the motherboard. So could someone direct me to a website or give me a little bit of information on what components I can safely get off of the board, and what precautions I will have to take while de-soldering/whatever.
Best answer:
Answer by Pain Killer
You need not use soldering gun it to take it out. Since you said its for geek jewellery. There are not dangerous components on the motherboard unlike inside a CRT TV (old big box TV). I have handeled, I don’t remember many computers, assembled many, dismantled many, and fear not, there is no dangerous components in them. Use a sharp cutter to cut out the ICs off the board. Careful as you need to apply a little pressure to cut them off, so you may cut your fingers or so.
Motherboard has no dangerous components. The old box TVs have a high voltage capacitor in side them for the Cathode tube, not handling it properly can be lethal. A computer motherboard has no such thing.
What do you think? Answer below!
You can also subscribe here to get this site update in your email.
Pain Killer is correct, I just want to add that yes there is lead in the solder, but it’s only a hazard if you vaporize it (by soldering / de-soldering) and breathe it in. Otherwise there’s not enough for you to have to worry about it.