Seeking Perfection
Here is a list of common seen components and their special care instructions.
| Components | Pictures | Instructions |
| Intergraded Circuits |  |
Static sensitive, ground yourself before handling. Many are heat sensitive. |
| Carbon Film Resistors |  |
They can handle some pretty high heat, no special attention required. |
| Polystyrene Capacitors |  |
They can be connected either way around. Easily damaged by heat, you could leave the legs longer when soldering if it's not in the way of anything. |
| Diodes |  |
They only allow current to flow one way, so connect the correct way. Germanium diodes are easily damaged by heat, so take care. |
| Connectors |  |
Pay extra attention to make sure you connect the correct leads. |
| IC Holders |  |
Make sure the notch is at the correct end, do not put ICs in there when soldering. They're usually used to hold CMOS chips or very heat sensitive chips. |
| Electrolytic Capacitors |  |
Connect correctly, they have marks on the side to tell you + or -. |
| LEDs |  |
Short leg or flat side is -, the other side is +. Connect correct way around. |
| Fuse |  |
Use a fuse holder, especially for thin fuses, the metal ends will melt off under high heat. |
| Transistors |  |
They have 3 legs, extra attention is required, and are easily damaged by heat. |