lead broke on my capacitor...

So one of the leads on my 10uF 450V capacitors snapped at the capacitor body while in place on my turret board. Is this an indication I was transferring too much heat to the component while soldering, or is it simply a sign of a cheap capacitor?

I wasn't using a heat sink, although I will definitely be employing one (alligator clip should work, right?) for future solder joints involving components.

I'm no expert, but I would say metal fatigue was the more likely culprit, especially if you were being careful.

Yes, an alligator clip will work as a heat sink. I like to use one when I solder small components.

i'd also guess fatigue, it could have been cracked a long time ago during installation and over time broken by vibration. same thing could happen with a new build too. It also could have been a problem in manufacturing / shipping

I never like to bend the leads more than once while i'm building if i can avoid it...

If you bend the lead, you have to hold the lead between the body of the cap and the bend point. If you bend it without doing so, the leads can and will break off.

If you bend the lead, you have to hold the lead between the body of the cap and the bend point. If you bend it without doing so, the leads can and will break off.

When bending leads, I prefer to bend up. :).

When bending leads, I prefer to bend up. :).

and sing the Bending Song!