To socket or not to socket?

[Martin Czech]

I use sockets in all possible applications, if the mechanical quality
is ok, no problems. Gold plated socket springs are 2x expensive then
the cheapos, but the IC sits very tight, it is really strength needed
to pull it out.

Sure, it will make your circuit more expensive, about 0.40 EURO
per IC, but just think of the pain desoldering ICs in my 
pseudo wire wrap test boards! All wires will get loose.
And on PCBs the copper film may delaminate, sometimes you change an IC
two or three times, before you notice that some other part of the circuit
wrecked it....

I would think about one exception: PCBs and sockets can be a problem if
very very low leakage is required. But still you can use a socket then, it
is mostly one pin that matters, bend it off before plugging in and do some
air wiring for this special pin.  As long as the circuit has to operate
under normal middle European climate conditions this will give superb leakage
(may be you need to clean the dil package with propanol or something non
greasy, I have had a mysterious leakage in the nA range a while ago,
it was me and my dirty fingers, the fat you know, I contaminated the
package. After a propanol treatment leakage dropped down...

Of course this may no work in places with high humidity, but then a PCB
and normal socket method will have problems, too. I guess in these cases
molding is the only way (e.g. outdoor measurement gear, underwater
gear).

m.c.