Tip: Pre- insert your transistor pins in sockets

[Toy Sun]

This is so obvious I don't know why it took me so long to figure it out.If I pre-trim and bend my transistor pins to the socket before I solder in place I don't end up in that hell of trying to cram transistor down in between a bunch of other components, which is usually super frustrating.

[antonis]

Just purchase TO-92 10D3 package and don't worry about legs proper bending..

[GibsonGM]

...or put the transistors in right after soldering the socket, but before adding parts that will obstruct them, such as caps.  But I do feel your pain

[andy-h-h]

In that case, why use sockets?

- I've never cooked a transistor with heat
- Sockets wear and become loose, if you are using them to test different transistors

[Toy Sun]

I socket until sure, but usually add some light solder tacks before closing up the box...