Various exemplary embodiments relate to a brace for use with an integrated circuit (IC), and to an IC package with a brace, having a main body portion and a fastening portion for mechanically fastening the main body portion to the IC, by for example clipping or sliding attachment. Other exemplary embodiments relate to a method of stabilizing an IC during an operation carried out on the IC, such as a soldering operation, involving for example steps of attaching a brace to the IC, performing the operation on the IC, and/or removing the brace after performing the operation.