Abstract: A method for removing an individual surface mounted electrical component from a printed circuit board retaining a plurality of other components. The individual component has a plurality of leads connected to circuitry on said board by a connection alloy comprising at least two constituent metals and having a given melting point less than that of either of said constituent metals. The method includes the steps of obtaining a removal alloy composed of a plurality of constituent metals and having a particular melting point below the given melting point; heating the removal alloy to a temperature greater than the particular melting point but below the given melting point so as to produce a molten state thereof; contacting the connection alloy on all of the leads with the molten removal alloy and causing thereby a reaction producing a molten state for the connection alloy; and separating the individual component from the printed circuit board while retaining thereon the other components.