I've been researching soldering a bit,

do you think a small propane torch to heat the metal body of the relay would allow the solder to be sucked out from the circuit board through holes?

I have no experience with the small torches used for soldering. But it does seem that would reduce the heat time for the through holes and lands.

I've also thought of trying to cut/trim/nip the relay to reduce the amount of metal to be heated. Tried a normal sized dike pliers but not enough bite to cut the metal body. If most of the body was cut away before heating, less heat time and less chance of damage.

Any tool you can think of to 'cut' chunks out of the relay without damaging the through hole area?