How to Solder Brass Jump Rings

Jump rings are part of every jewelers took kit. They're used as connectors such as connecting the end of a necklace to the necklace's clasp. They are round with a tiny slit cut in them so they can be bent open with pliers and then closed back up. Sometimes, however, jump rings are soldered shut to insure they can't be accidentally pulled open causing the piece of jewelry to be damaged or lost.

Things You'll Need

• Brass jump rings
• Fine Emory sandpaper
• Magnesia soldering block
• Wood skewers
• Tin of paste flux
• Solder
• Scissors
• Small propane torch

Instructions

1. Clean a jump ring where the slit is with fine sandpaper. Once the metal has been sanded do not touch the cleaned area. Lay the brass jump ring down on a fireproof magnesia block.

2. Dab on a dot of paste flux on the slit in the jump ring using the tip of an unused wood skewer. Flux acts to prepare the metal surfaces so the hot solder will flow.

3. Clip a tiny bit of solder off the spool and position it on the flux being careful to not bump the jump ring.

4. Light the torch. Dial back the flame so its not blowing with a lot of power otherwise it will blow the jump ring right off the magnesia block.

5. Aim the tip of the lit torch at the magnesia block first steering clear of the jump ring. Start circling around the jump ring while moving the torch in slowly towards the flux and solder. Heat them up slowly otherwise they will pop right off the jump ring before melting.

6. Watch closely for the flux to start bubbling and then melting over the jump ring finally watch for the solder to develop a bright, shiney surface to it. It may ball up before reaching its melting temperature when it will melt and flow down and round the slit in the jump ring.

7. Pull the torch away as soon as the solder collapses and flows. Wait for the jump ring to cool before picking it up.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase soldering pins which can be stuck into the magnesia block to help hold the brass jump rings in place while soldering.

• Make sure you solder in a well ventilated area. Flux and solder give off fumes.

References

• Whimsie: Soldering Copper & Brass