Best Tools and Methods for Making Clean PCB Track Cuts Efficiently

Several methods for making clean and efficient PCB track cuts were discussed. Using an Exacto knife is common but slow and requires frequent blade replacement or sharpening. One technique involves making two close cuts and heating the copper trace with a soldering iron to lift the section by breaking down the adhesive, even through soldermask. For PCB stripboard, a 3.5 mm drill bit held by hand is a standard tool to remove unwanted track holes, followed by a sharpened chisel-tip screwdriver to clean remaining copper edges and create tidy gaps. Power tools such as a Dremel rotary tool with a cylindrical steel carving bit (~1/8" diameter) or a battery-powered engraver with a diamond burr head offer faster, effective track removal. These tools are favored for speed and precision in carving copper tracks. Avoiding damage to adjacent tracks is emphasized, with solder repair suggested if accidental damage occurs.
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