the hot air cannot really be focused on the component that I am trying to remove,..
Ed,
My method is to use aluminium foil. Cover all except the component. Make sure you make it hot enough so the solder is definitely melted before lifting off.
Capacitors/resistors maybe use two soldering irons. I've never tried on a transistor but perhaps a biggish bit would cover two pins.
73 Alan G4ZFQ
