Abstract: A bobbin for desoldering braid includes a hub and heads extending outwardly at the end of the hub. One head has a curling portion of flexible material establishing a surface in overlying and spaced relationship to the peripheral edge of the other radially extending flat head to cover the winding of braid on the hub when curled inwardly to a closed position and extending away from the flat head to expose the winding when curled to an open position. The hub is formed with a slot which can be narrowed by applying pressure to the ends of the hub in order to hold the end of the braid during winding. Upon release of the pressure the end of the braid is released from the slot and the winding of braid is held loosely between the heads of the bobbin. The braid is thereby permitted to slip during unwinding by pulling the braid straight out from the bobbin with a minimum of friction between the braid and the heads of the bobbin.