Embodiments of the invention relate to making reconnection when a soldered
connection fails in a head/slider used in a magnetic disk drive. In one
embodiment, a solder mass deposited on a slider pad of a head/slider is
separated from a lead pad and a solder ball connection is yet to be made
between the slider pad and the lead pad. A shaping tip is heated to a
temperature near a melting point of a solder. The shaping tip is moved in
parallel with a surface of the slider pad toward the side of the lead pad
to soften the solder mass. The solder mass is thereafter irradiated with
a laser beam so as to form a solder fillet, thereby making a soldered
connection between the lead pad and the slider pad.