Four Steps to Repair a Lifted Trace

Have a board with lifted traces? The board’s life isn’t over yet; there is a simple technique to repair the lifted trace and continue use.

Step One: Locate the lifted trace, then identify the pads or joints on each end.

Step Two: Clean the area with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or grease.

Step Three: Cut any loose pieces of the trace from the board. Be extremely careful not to damage any other part of the board while doing this.

Step Four: Determine if there is enough of the trace visible where the lifted end was removed to solder a jumper wire to it. If there is, solder a jumper wire from that location to the other end of the trace or a connecting pad or joint. If there is not, simply solder a jumper wire from one connecting pad or joint to the other, replacing the trace’s path completely.

For more information or a visual demonstration on this procedure, head over to our YouTube channel and watch our video on lifted trace repair.