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When you first start building, you wonder why your attempts look so bad, and the master builders make it look so neat. The secret is to learn how they do things. I did it by asking. Jim Cates, WA6GER (SK) showed me a neat little trick a long time ago. You can use a circuit board as a bending gage for resistors if they use standard 0.4" spacing between the leads. It makes it look really nice, and every resistor will fit the board perfectly. It is easier to show you than tell you so let's get started.


Fig. 1 - Resistor shown laying on board with 0.4" hole spacing.


Fig. 2 - Resistor being held over the edge of the board prior to bending. Note that the edge of the resistor is right against the edge of the board. This is important.



Fig. 3 - Resistor after first lead is bent over edge of board.



Fig. 4 - Resistor with 1 lead bent. Now you are ready to repeat the bending process with the other lead.



Fig. 5 - Resistor with both leads bent. Ready for insertion into the board.



Fig. 6 - Resistor in place ready to solder. Notice how nicely it fits? You can do it too! You will be amazed when you find out how easily it is done. I usually bend the leads on the back side of the board at a 45 degree angle to hold the resistor in place so that it doesn't fall out when I turn the board over to solder. Hope this helps and that you enjoy the Hendricks QRP Kits Builder's Tips.

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