Are you trimming before or after insertion? I'd prefer to trim prior to installation to avoid the risk of damaging the solder mask - plus if the components are on tape & reel life is that much easier. You can form (stand off, stress relief, kink/captive bend, ...) and trim in one step. Have a good weekend, Mike Sewell ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315 ##############################################################