• Soldering IC pins can be frustrating and time consuming.soldering image by Bube from Fotolia.com
  
  Soldering integrated circuits (ICs) can be a frustrating process. It's very easy to damage the delicate IC package through repeated re-positioning or careless handling. Other problems can include bridges (unwanted solder links between the pins of the IC) and dry joints (joints where insufficient or poorly applied solder has left the pin unconnected to the printed circuit board). With practice and some simple tips, the job becomes a lot easier.
  
  

Solder ICs First

• Soldering the integrated circuits into the printed circuit board (PCB) before the other components leaves you plenty of room to work. The other components are easier to place, so they can be added afterward.
  
  

Securing the First Pin

• Place a small blob of solder on one of the pads (round areas of copper with holes drilled for the pins) where the IC will be soldered. Position the IC and then re-melt the solder. This will hold the IC in place while you solder the rest of the pins.
  
  

IC Holders

• IC holders are small plastic components into which you can plug integrated circuits. Consider using one if your IC is especially delicate or liable to damage from heat. IC holders are very cheap, so breaking or damaging one is significantly less of a setback than breaking an expensive IC.
  
  

Extra Flux

• Flux is a substance that allows the solder to flow smoothly over the joints in the circuit. It gives the solder better adhesion. Most solder comes with a resin flux core, theoretically doing away with the need for separate flux. If you want really good soldered joints, however, a little extra flux can sometimes be very helpful.
  
  

Use The Correct Soldering Tip

• For soldering an IC, you will need a small, pointed tip. Larger tips will spread solder over too large an area, causing short circuits and bridges.
  
  

Clean Your Soldering Iron

• Debris can quickly build up on the tip of the iron as you work, interfering with the soldering process and potentially causing poor joints. Clean your iron after every two or three pins.
  
  

Use Desoldering Braid or a Desoldering Pump

• Desoldering braid is a woven wire cord that you can use to soak up excess solder, clearing away shorts and bridges. A desoldering pump (also known as a solder sucker) performs the same job but removes more of the solder and is faster to use. With these, you can easily rectify errors in your soldering. Try not to over-use your solder-sucker in the same place, as it can pull the pads free from your circuit board.
  
  

Have Tweezers and Picks to Hand

• A pair of tweezers can be invaluable for positioning small, fiddly components like ICs. A pick lets you scrape away excess solder better than your iron sometimes can, as it has a smaller point.