I am new and would like to bend the component leads in the nice graceful curves I usually see. How do you do it? Is there a tool adjustible for various spacings?
One is for smaller parts, and one is for larger. You'll probably need both.
https://tubedepot.com/products/1-4-1-2-watt-lead-bender
https://tubedepot.com/products/1-2-and-3-watt-lead-bender
https://tubedepot.com/products/1-4-1-2-watt-lead-bender
https://tubedepot.com/products/1-2-and-3-watt-lead-bender
Thanks rayma. I just ordered both of them - will be a big help for my adventures. Jim Clark
They are a big help. You choose the slot outer width that matches the inner hole edges spacing.
Keep the part's marking on top, and center the part in the slots. Bend the leads firmly down to make right angles.
Some use pliers, but they tend to nick the leads, which is bad.
Keep the part's marking on top, and center the part in the slots. Bend the leads firmly down to make right angles.
Some use pliers, but they tend to nick the leads, which is bad.
Before I had these myself, I used a small screwdriver to bend the THT-wires. Cumbersome but nice and even rounder than with those things…
(But as you already ordered yours, it’s just too late to count it)
😉
(But as you already ordered yours, it’s just too late to count it)
😉
You want precise component lead spacing to match the pcb hole center-to-center spacing,
but a larger radius on the bends will interfere with that.
but a larger radius on the bends will interfere with that.