Homebrew PCBs

> i think with that wire and that tip it is quite difficult to hold
> down a 0805 case?
> or do you hold it on one end of the case while soldering the free one?

Yes, that's the idea.   With the small devices, I place and solder one end
of all of them, using the hold-down wire.   Then I just use the hold-down
to steady the PCB while solder the other ends of all the devices.

> there are two small resistors on the headlight board so it must work
> somehow...

Yes, no problems with 0603 devices. I haven't tried smaller than that.

It's helpful to file the end of the wire square.  If pointed it could
perhaps damage or tip the component instead of holding it flat against
the board.

Mike Cowlishaw