A method for removing a lead-free solder from a slider pad is provided to
permit re-utilization of a head/slider used in a magnetic disk drive. In
one embodiment, a slider pad formed on a head/slider and a lead pad are
connected to each other through a lead-free solder fillet. A cutting tool
is heated beforehand to a temperature near the melting point of the
lead-free solder. The cutting tool is moved in parallel with a surface of
the slider pad to cut the solder fillet while softening the solder
fillet. The solder fillet is removed so as not to impose a stress on the
slider pad and in a state in which the head/slider can be re-utilized.