Homebrew PCBs

I cant find it, but someone talked about using componet lead, resistor maybe, for vias and soldering each side to make for a low profile via. I have tried this and didn't get good results.

Something like insert the lead and solder it on one side and snip if off on the other side and solder it. I did this and got larger solder deposits than using flat trace repair copper strips.

Is there any other clever ideas for vias? My target chip is the QFP.
Making plated through hole is too complated right now.

Brian