Date   : Mon, 06 Dec 1999 17:00:45 +0000
From   : Tim Fardell <timf@...>
Subject: Re: Removing ROMs from Issue 7 board

Jonathan Graham Harston wrote:
> 
> Tim <timf@...> wrote:
> > I may be stating the obvious here, but have you tried a 'IC extraction
> > tool'? It's a little plastic thingy that clips over the chip with flanges
> > in between all the legs (like a wide clothes peg with teeth). They are
> > very cheap. Most good electronic component suppliers should have them -
> > try Maplin or CPC (if you're in the UK).
> 
> NO NO NO NO NO!!!!
> 
> Never use one of those.  They are the worst bit of sales brainwashing
> outside Microsoft.

[snip lots of stuff]

Well, speaking as a witness for the defence, all I can say is that I
have used these things a few times, and never suffered any pin damage,
but I'm prepared to accept that I may have been lucky, and I can see how
damage could occur if you use them carelessly. I was first introduced to
them when I found one in the bin and thought "That looks useful!" and
kept it. Now I see why it was in the bin... 

Seriously, though, I think they are alright if you use them carefully,
but the tool you describe sounds good (though I have not tried it). 

Tim. 

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