Simple PCB Pin Header Soldering Tool

Previous to making this, I used a breadboard to line up all the pin headers when soldering them to any boards (specifically Arduino Nanos). Pushing the pin headers in to the breadboards was a real pain, partly because of the low-quality breadboards I use. Some of the pins would always refuse to go in to the breadboards, or they would get pushed further up in their socket.

Soldering pins using a breadboard, you need to make sure not to heat up the breadboard too much and not damage it. With this, there is no risk of damaging any breadboards!

It is quicker to use this as well. You don't need to heat up all the contacts in the breadboard as well, you are just heating up the pin!

This handy little tool fixes all of those problems, and is very simple to make.

All you need for this project is:

4 M3 Bolts, any length longer than the pins (I used 20mm)

8 M3 Nuts

8 M3 Washers

1 spare PCB (the bigger, the better)

3mm (1/8") drill bit

Drill

In the 4 corners of the PCB, drill a hole with a 3mm (1/8") drill bit.

On each M3 screw, put pieces on in this order: Nut -> Washer -> Through the PCB -> Washer -> Nut

Then tighten everything so that the nut at the top is just at the end of the bolt.

Then place it on a flat surface and adjust all the nuts until it sits flat.

Now all you need to do is just put the pins in the holes of the PCB, then put the Arduino, Touch Sensor, or whatever else you want, on top of them. It does not require any force (like breadboards do) so there is no risk of pushing a pin through it's socket.

You can solder the corners first, then take it out and finish soldering, or just solder everything at the same time!

If you live in Canada, and are looking to get some Arduinos and accessories locally, check out my store: