Hakko FR-301 is a great tool for desoldering. A bit expensive up front, but over the years may pay off in ease of use and less damage.
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Really stubborn parts I have occasionally had to resort to the desoldering gun plus using hot air to remove an IC with the most care to not damage the board. As others have mentioned, sacrificing the part (cutting the legs off the IC) is always an option too, but sometimes you like to keep the IC, particularly if you're not sure it's the cause of the fault.
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Scott, KK7CAI
