Dissolving Adhesive

[cvstrat]

I posted this toping in the CPU forum but probably need more help. I have a friend who has a CPU that was stuck to a heatsink by some sort of glue. He has tried to pry it off w/a tiny scredriver, and it is firmly in place. He needs to remove the existing heatsink and install a new one. Anyone know of a chemical or something that would dissolve the hardened glue w/o damaging the CPU?

THanks

 

[Evadman]

goof-off or goo-gone would likely remove it, but they are not compatable with plastic or fiberglass, so most fo the newer CPU's are in trouble. if it is an older one, such as a k6/2 or another with a heat spreader, you may be alright.

unfortunately, the only real way to know on most removers is if someone tested it, or you test it.

To be more specific a adheasive name / type would be needed, along with the CPU info.

 

[Mday]

i am going to assume the adhesive is still on.

put the CPU with heatsink attached into the freezer over nite. the adhesive will become brittle. but will still have a grip. then carefully pry it off. WARNING, this CAN damage the cpu. you can also turn a can of compressed air upside down, and spray the glue directly. wear gloves as this will cause frostbite.

any solvent can only attack the adhesive where the adhesive is exposed, which is a very small crack. this will take forever.

 

[Fencer128]

Acetone (nail varnish remover) would do it.

Andy

 

[liquidtech]

did you try denatured alcohol?