Soldering and workholding

There’s a few common soldering methods used with through-hole components. In this guide, we’ll be using the “work holding” method. Accordingly, the docs will not reference flipping the PCB over for soldering legs.

The bendy method

Push the legs through the holes, then bend the legs slightly outward on the bottom side to keep the component in the hole when the PCB is flipped over. Solder on the side of the board opposite from the side the component was inserted.
pcb with diode inserted from the top pcb with bent diode legs

The tape method:

Push the legs through the holes and put a piece of kapton tape over the component to keep it in place when the board is flipped. Solder on the side of the board opposite from the side the component was inserted.
pcb with diodes held in place by kapton tape underside of pcb with diodes held in place by kapton tape

Work holding

Use helping hands or work holding jig to keep the PCB lifted off the work surface. Insert components through the holes, do not flip the pcb, and solder on the side the components are inserted.
This is the recommended method.
If you have access to a 3d printer, you can print disposable work holding legs designed specifically for the ErgoDonk Zero PCB.

Magnetic work holding thingies
pcb in workholding jigs with diodes inserted from the top pcb in workholding jigs with diodes protruding

3d Printable work holding feet
Disposable 3d printable work holding legs for the Sofle Pico Close up of a disposable 3d printable work holding leg for the Sofle Pico 3d model of a disposable 3d printable work holding leg for the Sofle Pico