[Elecraft] Cutting component leads

[Ken Kopp]

The following is from a NASA-certified solderer ... me. (:-))

Contrary to the belief/practice of many, component leads
protruding through a solder pad should NEVER be cut off
flush with the board.  They should be cut off at a length that
is several diameters of the wire ... at least ... above the board.

Yes, there are instances of machine-finished boards where
the entire lead side of the board is ground or sanded off, but 
this is a process usually found in the mass-produced consumer 
product industry.

"Wiggling" a lead to break(!) it off isn't the way to do it.  The 
component's leads should be pre-cut to the desired length before
insertion into the holes for soldering.

FWIW ...

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
k0pp at arrl.net
or
k0pp at ixpres.com