a novel press - fit electrically - conductive contact member , as , for example , an electrically - conductive metal pin , characterized by a conforming section which has an elastically - deformable region which acts as a spring and which is adapted to engage a substrate hole in a press - fitting relationship . the conforming section comprises opposed beam members configured to accommodate a considerably larger hole tolerance yet still provide sufficient retention force to stabilize the pin during a soldering process that such substrates may typically undergo . the beam cross - sections are configured to allow them to occupy a side - by - side position . contact members with the conforming section can be manufactured by a wire - forming process in which end - to - end connected pins are formed as a continuous strip needing no excess material for carrying the pins , nor are any air gaps formed between the pins , and thus the finished continuous strip of pins can be wound up on a reel .