How to Repair Jewelry With a Soldering Gun
Soldering is a technique used for linking two or more metal pieces. It is used in the creation of jewelry, in metalsmithing, in tool making, in sculpture, and in all manner of repairs, including jewelry repairs. When applied neatly, solder can create a virtually invisible link between jewelry components that have broken apart, such as chain links, pendants and bails, basket settings and rings, or clasps and chains.
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Things You'll Need
- Paintbrush
- Flux
- Solder
- Soldering gun
- Mild dish soap
- Water
- Optional: clothespins or other clamps
Instructions
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1
Clean the jewelry parts you intend to solder in warm soapy water to remove all dirt, debris and oil, which can prevent the solder from binding to the metal. Rinse and dry the jewelry thoroughly.
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2
Position the two components of jewelry wish to solder together so that they are pressed as closely together as possible without overlapping. Use clothespins, clamps, or even string to hold parts of jewelry in place. Avoid covering the surfaces to which you will apply solder.
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3
Apply flux to portions of the jewelry where you will place the solder. Use a paintbrush to put the flux precisely where it is needed.
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4
Snip a piece of solder with scissors. Cut a portion of solder just wide and long enough to hold the two parts of jewelry together without creating a large bulge. Lay the solder right over the seam you wish to close, or immediately between the two components you wish to join.
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5
Coat the solder with flux using the paintbrush.
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6
Turn on the soldering gun. Aim its copper tip at the solder. Use the soldering gun to heat the solder until it melts and draw it into the position you desire.
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7
Remove the soldering gun from the solder once it has melted in the place you desire.
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8
Allow the solder to solidify and cool.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose the type of solder that is appropriate for your jewelry, such as gold solder or silver solder.
Note that solder comes in different forms, including rods, spools of wire, and flat sheets. Choose the form that is best for the specific repair at hand.
Use a flux that is meant to work with the type of solder you are using.
