I put in transistor sockets made from IC sockets so I could try different transistors. I could have used an opamp socket, to test different chip, but I couldn't be bothered. If your soldering skills are poor the IC socket allows you to get the soldering right, and then put the chip in. If you overheat the chip it dies, so keep a finger on the chip when soldering. The transistors are heat-sensitive, but you can heatsink the legs with pliers.