That's probably the best way to do it for onesies-twosies, would become a pita fast with any number of pieces.
Back in the early 90s I worked for a small company called Certified Software/Spuren Systems as a technician building the prototype and later production models of a D/A converter to be used between a PC and paper recorders for seismology work. We also built the first digital throttle for model railroads but never got it to production. The biggest issue with the chips is that the legs come from the factory with a less-than-90 degree straight bend, which means they're trying to reach out and away from the body. I think this is meant to keep some spring tension on them for contact purposes, not sure. Anyway, most sockets allow for this but placement is important. Can't remember how many I bent in haste.
Tubes are so much easier....