Manual soldering and rework tools require exceptional skill and quality tooling for PCB boards; surface mount soldering is more challenging than through-hole soldering due to smaller pin pitch and higher pin count, with care needed to avoid overheating the board. Different hand welding techniques and systems are available, each with its own advantages and challenges, with regular maintenance necessary for welding tips and rings. Hot air soldering offers controllable heating rates but may be more complex and expensive than contact welding. Proper use of flux, solder, and solder paste is essential for successful soldering, while side etching and coating widening are factors to consider in the etching process. Analysis of failures in electroplated nickel-gold plating can help improve solderability of the plated components.