When working with through the hole components, I have read that you should clip leads before soldering so the shock from clipping doesn't break the joint. On the other hand I've seen a ton of instructions for (more or less professional) DIY kits, where the picture depicted all components of a type being installed, then soldered, then clipped. The latter method is much faster and easier of course.
Electronic – Is it ok to clip component leads after soldering
componentspcb-assemblysolderingstability
Related Solutions
Flux! Use plenty of flux and it will magically work.
You don't need:
a super-skinny soldering tip
hot air station
very thin solder
solder paste
desolder braid (helpful though)
You do need:
Flux
Magnification (you've got that covered)
Flux up the pads really well, then apply heat and solder. Try to make a big ball that covers all the pads. Then remove solder by repeatedly cleaning the tip and touching it to the pads. This technique is similar to drag soldering. If in doubt add more flux.
There are butt splice crimps such as this Molex one which go down to 22 AWG. Or this Amp one.
But the best way is a solder sleeve like this which is heatshrunk onto the pair of wires. The solder melts at the same time as the sleeving shrinks.
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Best Answer
I was told to cut the leads to length before soldering. There was an IPC standard around on which basis we were taught that. I don't remember which standard it was exactly.
A reference I found is this document by IPC.
So to prevent parts from falling off, you bent the already trimmed leads over (in a direction where it doesn't cause problems). And after that you solder them.
It is probably taught that way just as @GummiV mentioned in the comment, that the force and shock of the trimming might cause the joint or the PCB to be damaged.
I actually managed to break of a fragile ring with the track once because I was trimming after soldering, so I think the advice of the IPC is quite sound.
There are also frames around which help you in the assembly of through hole boards. You can put the board in, put all your components in from the top, then put down a lid and turn the whole thing around to solder on the bottom side.
Looks something like this: