@odd thank you! Yes it’s quite a meditative task. This computer belongs to an old friend so the sentimental value makes it worth taking the time over. (I’m considering what to to about fixing/replacing the gun though! I’ve already used it far more than I thought I would, but my skills with the “old” methods have also improved.)
Sockets - yes readily available. There’s enough room in this computer’s case (ZX Spectrum +) to have a socketed chip and still attach a heat sink if you want, but with the earlier models there’s not enough room. Often repairers will remove the socket.