There is an old tradition in electronics, if a part is expensive or inclined to blow, make it replaceable by putting it in a socket. Sometimes this goes too far as with final circuits that are still on a proto board where everything is in a socket. But if we are using small arduinos like the nano we more or less treat them as a component and putting them in a socket is a good idea. As far as I know sockets for these parts are not made, and the pins on an arduino are not really the normal pins for sockets. However we can make what we need on a strip board or PCB by using 2 rows of female headers. Pictures tell the rest of the story.

Step 1: Boards

In this case I am using strip board, but any PCB board with .1 inch spacing should be good.

Step 2: A Nano

Waiting to make a connection. Other arduinos have similar pin outs.

Step 3: Headers

This is what female header strip looks like, then cut it with a fine tooth saw. I cut through the middle of a pin which is sacrificed.

Step 4: Solder

First tack solder the two end pins and adjust to make sure header is straight and all the way in. Then solder up the rest.

Step 5: Done, Plug In

Plug it in, if you blow it up, unplug and put in a new one.

Step 6: More

Here are pictures of some finished boards with the arduino and supporting electronics.

Other parts can also be mounted this way: after I did this I realize the idea is not so new, Ramps boards, for example, mount stepper drivers in just this way. Some links that I found include:

Proto Arduino - Arduino Nano or ATTiny85 Prototype Board
https://info.pcboard.ca/proto-arduino/

Nerd Club: Raspberry Pi shield design https://nerdclub-uk.blogspot.com/2016/03/raspberr...

OSOYOO 3D Printer Kit with RAMPS 1.4 Controller + Mega 2560 board + 5pcs A4988 Stepper Motor Driver with Heatsink + LCD 12864 Graphic Smart Display Controller with Adapter For Arduino RepRap https://3dprinterstore.shopbuilder.co/index.php?r...

New Pololu Shield RAMPS-FD for Arduino Due 3D printer controller [700-001-0063] - $28.00 : geeetech 3d printers onlinestore, one-stop shop for 3d printers,3d printer accessories,3d printer parts http://www.geeetech.com/new-pololu-shield-rampsfd...

RAMPS 1.4 Control Board + 5X A4988 Stepstick Driver Module for 3D Printer RepRap | eBay https://www.ebay.com/i/182948423982?rt=nc