GJ-6 Stainless Steel Chip IC Extractor Repair Tool

Common FAQs

1. Q: Will this fit a 40-pin CPU like a Z80?

   • A: Yes, the GJ-6 is specifically designed for 40-pin 0.6" wide DIP chips like the Z80, 6502, and 8088.

2. Q: Can I use it for smaller 16-pin chips?

   • A: It's loose on small chips. Use the GJ-3 for 14-22 pin chips. The GJ-6 is for 24 pins and up.

3. Q: Is it suitable for PLCC chips?

   • A: No, PLCC (square chips) need a PLCC extractor. This is for rectangular DIP chips only.

4. Q: Does it work on soldering chips?

   • A: No! Never pull a soldered chip cold. You will rip the traces off the board. Only use this if you are actively desoldering with hot air.

5. Q: Is the handle insulated?

   • A: It has a PVC dip, but it is not high-voltage rated. Always disconnect power before working.

6. Q: Can I use it to remove keycaps?

   • A: No, keycap pullers have wire loops. This has rigid metal hooks that might scratch keycaps.

7. Q: Will it scratch the chip surface?

   • A: If used correctly (hooking under the body), it touches the bottom/side edges, not the top marking surface.

8. Q: Is it ESD safe?

   • A: Metal is conductive. If you are grounded, the tool is grounded.

9. Q: What if the chip is stuck?

   • A: For very stuck chips, gently rock the tool microscopically end-to-end (not side-to-side) while pulling up to break the corrosion seal.

10. Q: Does it work on modern Arduino chips?

    • A: Yes, if the Arduino uses a large DIP package (like the ATmega32 on older boards), but most modern Unos use 28-pin chips which this can also handle (though GJ-3 fits 28-pin "skinny" DIPs better).

11. Q: Can I straighten bent pins with it?

    • A: No, use a pin straightener tool.

12. Q: Is it magnetic?

    • A: Slightly, due to the steel alloy.

13. Q: How wide does it open?

    • A: It is tensioned for 0.6" (15.24mm) wide chips but can flex slightly wider.

14. Q: Can I use it on sockets?

    • A: Yes, it is designed to pull chips out of sockets.

15. Q: Is it better than the "L" shaped extractors?

    • A: Yes, L-shaped lever tools pull from one side, bending pins. The GJ-6 pulls vertically from both sides.

16. Q: Will it break?

    • A: It is made of spring steel; it is very durable. The PVC handle might wear over years, but the metal won't break under normal use.

17. Q: Can I use it for EPROMs?

    • A: Yes, it is the standard tool for removing 27-series EPROMs for UV erasing and reprogramming.

18. Q: Does it fit in a toolkit?

    • A: Yes, it is flat and compact (approx 5 inches long).

19. Q: Why does my chip slip out?

    • A: You might not be squeezing the handle enough to engage the hooks under the body. Maintain grip tension while lifting.

20. Q: Does it work on "Skinny" 24-pin DIPs?

    • A: "Skinny" DIPs (0.3" wide) are better suited for the GJ-3. The GJ-6 is for "Wide" DIPs (0.6").