For single sided boards, a circuit board preheater or hotplate is recommended to minimize thermal cracking.

A fluorescent inspection lamp with anti-reflective coated magnifier is recommended for most general applications.

Several desoldering methods are available. Of the more popular methods, desolder braid is the most simple. Care should be exercised if using a desoldering pencil due to risks of contamination and mechanical damage.

Flux should always be used to ensure proper wetting and mechanical bonding. Wire core solder can be used for general applications. If working on difficult to reach or heavily populated areas, solder paste or solder preforms may offer a better method to control solder laydown.

A fume extraction hood should be considered for environmental safety and health concerns as applicable. Some companies offer small clamp on fume absorbers that are relatively inexpensive.

Whenever working on a populated PCB, the PCB must be properly supported to prevent flexing or bending the PCB. Proper support of the PCB is required to prevent flexure. Not only does the rework area need to be supported but the entire board as well. The reason for this is to prevent flexure or bending cracks on another area. Actual support methods differ depending on the size and complexity of the PCB.