Many can be damaged by the static electricity which you carry on your body. Discharge yourself regularly by touching some piece of earthed metalwork.

Never force or overtighten anything.

Wire will break if too tight or bent too often.

Components will be strained if their leads are bent too close to the body of the component.

Avoid nicking wires accidently when using pliers or cutters.

Ease plugs and sockets in and out, don't force them.

Some components must be fitted the correct way round.

Avoid overheating components and plastic wires when soldering.

Fit wires clockwise under screwheads.

All soldered wires and components must be easily removable. This means that there should be a minimum of lead wrapping. Leads through printed circuit boards should be bent slightly outwards to prevent the components falling out. If they are bent flat it makes them difficult to remove.