Solder or leads?

[Somicide]

This is going to sound stupid, but when I solder a new component on a board (IC's really in this case) do the pins need to touch the pad or will the solder create a contact between them?

[Samuel]

The solder will create the contact.

[Somicide]

thanks, I been bending leads and that's a bitch, especially when I have to remove em, Oi...

[Dai H.]

more reliable when you bend the pins/leads up against the copper, but as you've noticed, that makes it harder to remove/replace. There is a tool which is basically a sharp-edged flat-bladed screwdriver that can help but be sure to wick off all the solder or you can damage the pad w/the tool. Try sockets if you want to enable quick replacement/experimentation.