I could also do with some advice on desoldering. I've faffed about with a solder suck in the past, but to no great avail. Maybe I didn't melt the solder enough. Is braid better? What about that ...

One of the first tools that is added to a toolbox when working on electronics, perhaps besides a multimeter, is a soldering iron. From there, soldering tools can be added as needed such as a hot air ...