A few thoughts
Solder suckers do have a place - especially for initially removing solder piles that would consume ¡®a mile¡¯ of wick. ?Avoid using them fully vertically?
Wick is great but doesn¡¯t always leave clear any small plated through (via) holes. ?Fluxing the hole and trying again helps but still not always?
A sliver of wood down the hole while heat is applied WILL clear those holes so you can then wick it fully clean
There is an investment in equipment, learning and practicing hot air rework techniques but it¡¯s worth it.
A suitable digital microscope is also a great aid (but yes it¡¯s another investment)
Any large component removed by any of these means should be considered a write -off due to the thermal stress so chop off the leads ?for simpler one-by-one removal if the board is at risk from overheating?
Due to the above it is often useful to cut PCB tracks to check a large component is faulty before ripping it out and finding it wasn¡¯t. ? ?(Cut where repair is easiest not right by a tiny pad ! )?
Bruce Akhurst