# How to Build a Testing Jig
## Overview
If you’re a first time product designer and you're spending all your time on the product itself, you might forget just how much time and effort it can take to set up a good test jig. A test jig is essentially a contraption that allows you to test many components of a board all at once.
There are a lot of things to consider when creating a test jig, ranging from test coverage to operator fatigue, and of course throughput and reliability. In some cases, a product designer may spend even more time designing a test jig than they spend designing the product itself!
This guide will take you through the basics of soldering a generic type of electronics testing fixture and serves as an update to this original [How to Make a Pogo Pin Test Jig](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-make-a-pogo-pin-test-jig/overview) guide.
We've previously posted some time lapse videos showing how we create testers for the [Perma Proto Pi HAT](https://blog.adafruit.com/2016/06/20/tester-assembly-its-manufacturingmonday-at-adafruit-video/), and [ADXL326 accelerometer](https://blog.adafruit.com/2016/10/10/assembling-a-new-tester-manufacturingmonday-video/).
This guide provides a more in depth description of the process and how to get things right the first time.
The impact that a well-designed test jig can have on manufacturing efficiency is huge. These are extremely important for large scale manufacturing, as reputable factories will test 100% of every product shipped. It is easy to lose sight of the potential pitfalls of hardware manufacturing and the magnification of those issues at scale; if you can cut a product's testing time from 4 minutes to 1 minute the time savings will pay off exponentially as thousands of units are tested.
## Materials
For this project you will need:
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- PCB
- Pogo pins
- Metro
- Rubber feet for metro
- Headers
- Through-hole LED
- Piezo buzzer
- Tweezers or needle nose pliers
- Kapton tape
- Tactile button
- Panavise or PCB holder
- Flush diagonal cutters
- Standoffs and screws
- 9V power and power switch
### Pogo Pins "Spear Head" (10 pack)
[Pogo Pins "Spear Head" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/394)
Pogo pins are little spring-loaded contacts, very handy for making jigs, or making momentary (but electrically solid) contacts. We use them by the dozen for making programming and testing jigs but they're handy also if say you want to JTAG program a board that you cant solder headers to -...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/394)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/394/guides)
### Adafruit METRO 328 Fully Assembled - Arduino IDE compatible
[Adafruit METRO 328 Fully Assembled - Arduino IDE compatible](https://www.adafruit.com/product/50)
We sure love the ATmega328 here at Adafruit, and we use them _a lot_ for our own projects. The processor has plenty of GPIO, Analog inputs, hardware UART SPI and I2C, timers and PWM galore - just enough for most simple projects. When we need to go small, we use a
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/50)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/50/guides)
### Piezo Buzzer
[Piezo Buzzer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/160)
Piezo buzzers are used for making beeps, tones and alerts. This one is petite but loud! Drive it with 3-30V peak-to-peak square wave. To use, connect one pin to ground (either one) and the other pin to a square wave out from a timer or microcontroller. For the loudest tones, stay around 4 KHz,...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/160)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/160/guides)
### Fine tip straight tweezers - ESD safe
[Fine tip straight tweezers - ESD safe](https://www.adafruit.com/product/421)
When soldering small surface-mount (SMD/SMT) components, one thing you'll need is a good pair of tweezers. These tweezers are a great pair of every-day tweezers. They're anti-static, anti-magnetic and made of hard stainless steel. The tips are fine and pointy to pick up any size...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/421)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/421/guides)
### Tactile Button switch (6mm) x 20 pack
[Tactile Button switch (6mm) x 20 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/367)
Little clicky switches are standard input "buttons" on electronic projects. These work best in a PCB but [can be used on a solderless breadboard as shown in this tutorial](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-lesson-6-digital-inputs?view=all). The pins are normally...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/367)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/367/guides)
### Diffused Green 3mm LED (25 pack)
[Diffused Green 3mm LED (25 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/779)
Need some indicators? We are big fans of these diffused green LEDs, as featured in the LoL shield. They are fairly bright so they can be seen in daytime, and from any angle. They go easily into a breadboard and will add that extra zing to your project.
- Pack of 25 diffused green...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/779)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/779/guides)
### Break-away 0.1" 36-pin strip male header - Black - 10 pack
[Break-away 0.1" 36-pin strip male header - Black - 10 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/392)
Breakaway header is like the duct tape of electronics. It's great for connecting things together, soldering to perf-boards, fits into any breakout or breadboard, etc. We go through these guys real fast, and thought that given how handy they are, we'd offer them in a pack of ten!
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/392)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/392/guides)
### Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino Unassembled Kit - Stackable
[Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino Unassembled Kit - Stackable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2077)
This prototyping shield is the best out there (well, we think so, at least), and now is even better with **Version R3** - updated for the most compatibility with just about all the Arduinos! It works with UNO, Mega, Leonardo, NG, Diecimila, Duemilanove, and compatible...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2077)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2077/guides)
### Heavy Stainless Steel PCB Circuit Board Holder
[Heavy Stainless Steel PCB Circuit Board Holder](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3718)
Are you still looking for that perfect PCB holder? The hefty yet portable **Heavy Stainless Steel PCB Holder** will rock out when you rework out. These were initially marketed for people doing cell phone repair and rework and we've found this to be an excellent vise for...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3718)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3718/guides)
### Flush diagonal cutters
[Flush diagonal cutters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152)
These are the best diagonal cutters, large super-comfortable grip to use and have strong nippers for perfect trimming of wires and leads. I've used my pair every day for years.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/152/guides)
### High Temperature Polyimide Tape - 1cm wide x 33 meter roll
[High Temperature Polyimide Tape - 1cm wide x 33 meter roll](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3057)
**Polyimide Tape** (sometimes referred to by the brand name **Kapton Tape** ) is an interesting addition to your toolbox! Polyimide Tape remains stable across a wide range of temperatures from about −269°C to +400°C. Along with aircraft,...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3057)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3057/guides)
### Soldering iron stand
[Soldering iron stand](https://www.adafruit.com/product/150)
A real stand with sponge and solidly-built sheet metal holder prevents your iron from 'rolling away' or burning a hole in the table. If you're starting out and have a 'pen type' soldering iron, this is essential for your safety. Comes with a sponge, too!
****
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/150)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/150/guides)
### Mini Solder spool - 60/40 lead rosin-core solder 0.3mm diameter
[Mini Solder spool - 60/40 lead rosin-core solder 0.3mm diameter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/145)
If you want to make a kit you'll need some solder. This 100g (about 1/4 lb) spool is just the right amount, not too much (like 1 lb spools) and not too little (like those little 'pocket clip' vials). 0.3mm diameter, 60/40 'no clean' rosin core. Good for all through-hole...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/145)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/145/guides)
### Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4
[Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550)
Keep your electronics from going barefoot, give them little rubber feet! These small sticky bumpers are our favorite accessory for any electronic kit or device. They are sticky, but not impossible to remove. They're small enough to fit onto any board, and have just enough height to give...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/550/guides)
### Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread
[Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
Totaling 380 pieces, this **M2.5 Screw Set** is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker tendencies for days on end! M2.5 size screws fit almost all of the Adafruit breakout/dev board mounting holes...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3299/guides)
### 9 VDC 1000mA regulated switching power adapter - UL listed
[9 VDC 1000mA regulated switching power adapter - UL listed](https://www.adafruit.com/product/63)
This is a really nice power supply. It's a switching DC supply so it's small and light and efficient. It is thin so it fits in power strips without blocking other outlets. The output is regulated so you'll get a steady 9V up to 1000mA (1 Amp) of current draw. 5.5mm/2.1mm barrel...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/63)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/63/guides)
### In-line power switch for 2.1mm barrel jack
[In-line power switch for 2.1mm barrel jack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1125)
Add a power switch to _any_ project simply by plugging this between the power supply. This is the most useful thing you never knew you needed! You'll want to pick up a bunch for your electronic projects.
Comes with a 5.5/2.1mm barrel jack on one end an a plug on the...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1125)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1125/guides)
### "Wire Wrap" Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire - 200m 30AWG Blue
["Wire Wrap" Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire - 200m 30AWG Blue](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1446)
This stuff is called "wire-wrap wire" because it used to be used for wire-wrapping high-speed digital circuits on a special kind of contact board. It's pretty rare to see wire-wrapping in these days of low-cost PCB fabrication but the wire is still really handy for prototyping work. It's...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1446)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1446/guides)
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-build-a-testing-fixture/pcb.md)
## Featured Products
### Adafruit METRO 328 Fully Assembled - Arduino IDE compatible
[Adafruit METRO 328 Fully Assembled - Arduino IDE compatible](https://www.adafruit.com/product/50)
We sure love the ATmega328 here at Adafruit, and we use them _a lot_ for our own projects. The processor has plenty of GPIO, Analog inputs, hardware UART SPI and I2C, timers and PWM galore - just enough for most simple projects. When we need to go small, we use a
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/50)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/50/guides)
### Pogo Pins "Spear Head" (10 pack)
[Pogo Pins "Spear Head" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/394)
Pogo pins are little spring-loaded contacts, very handy for making jigs, or making momentary (but electrically solid) contacts. We use them by the dozen for making programming and testing jigs but they're handy also if say you want to JTAG program a board that you cant solder headers to -...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/394)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/394/guides)
### Pogo Pins "Cupped Head" (10 pack)
[Pogo Pins "Cupped Head" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2428)
Pogo pins are little spring-loaded contacts, very handy for making jigs, or making momentary (but electrically solid) contacts. We use them by the dozen for making programming and testing jigs but they're handy also if say you want to JTAG program a board that you cant solder headers to -...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2428)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2428/guides)
### Pogo Pins "Crown Head" (10 pack)
[Pogo Pins "Crown Head" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2429)
Pogo pins are little spring-loaded contacts, very handy for making jigs, or making momentary (but electrically solid) contacts. We use them by the dozen for making programming and testing jigs but they're handy also if say you want to JTAG program a board that you cant solder headers to -...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2429)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2429/guides)
### Pogo Pins "Needle Head" (10 pack)
[Pogo Pins "Needle Head" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2430)
Pogo pins are little spring-loaded contacts, very handy for making jigs, or making momentary (but electrically solid) contacts. We use them by the dozen for making programming and testing jigs but they're handy also if say you want to JTAG program a board that you cant solder headers to -...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2430)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2430/guides)
### Toggle Clamp - Large Size
[Toggle Clamp - Large Size](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2457)
\*Ka-thunk\* Pin down that PCB with our **Toggle Clamp** , a sturdy and reliable way to quickly press and release with precision! A pogo-pin bed is a great way to connect and test boards without any soldering, but you have to somehow get that PCB aligned right and evenly pressed down...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2457)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2457/guides)
### Pogo Pin Probe Clip
[Pogo Pin Probe Clip](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1969)
The Pogo Pin Probe Clip is a great way to test and connect with pin-point accuracy without soldering! It's sort of like an [alligator clip](https://www.adafruit.com/product/321) with a built-in springy pogo pin - so you can connect to any PCB pad for 'scoping, analyzing, or...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1969)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1969/guides)
### Toggle Clamp - Medium Flip-up Style
[Toggle Clamp - Medium Flip-up Style](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2456)
\*Ka-thunk\* Pin down that little PCB with our **Toggle Clamp** , a sturdy and reliable way to quickly press and release with precision! A pogo-pin bed is a great way to connect and test boards without any soldering, but you have to somehow get that PCB aligned right and evenly...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2456)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2456/guides)
## Related Guides
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- [NeoPixel Painter](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-painter.md)
- [Monitor Your Greenhouse with a No-Code Environmental Sensor](https://learn.adafruit.com/monitor-your-greenhouse-with-a-no-code-environmental-sensor.md)
- [Arduino Lesson 7. Make an RGB LED Fader](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-lesson-7-make-an-rgb-led-fader.md)
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