How to Solder a Necklace Pendant
Do you have a broken necklace pendant? Has the hasp that the necklace slides through broken open? Don't throw it away! Why not fix it and make it stronger than before? With a few commonly found tools and some appropriate soldering material, you will be able to solder the metal back together, allowing you to keep wearing that much loved pendant for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Solder (should be of the same type of metal as the pendant)
- Soldering iron
- Needle nose pliers
- Steel wool
Instructions
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1
Plug in the soldering iron and allow it to heat up to operating temperature.
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2
Bend the broken part of the pendant back to its original position using the needle nose pliers. Hold in place if necessary.
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3
Clean the tip of the soldering iron by rubbing it with some steel wool. The tip must be hot in order to clean it, but be sure to have plenty of steel wool between your hand and the tip to prevent you from burning your hand.
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4
Push the hot tip of the soldering iron to where the broken parts of the pendant meet each other. You must heat the surface of the metal on the pendant for the solder to adhere properly. Hold the tip of the soldering iron to the pendant for about 30 seconds.
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5
Hold a length of solder wire in your other hand, and gently touch the tip of it to where the broken parts of the pendant meet. Depending on the type of metal you are repairing and the solder you are using, it should melt immediately and fuse the broken parts together. If melting does not occur right away, touch the tip of the soldering iron to some of the soldering wire and allow a bead of liquid solder to form on its tip. Touch the tip of the soldering iron with the bead of solder to where the two broken parts meet in order to fuse them.
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6
Wait a few minutes to allow the metals to cool. If the fused area is rough or messy, heat the soldering iron again and use the tip to clean any solder that is not directly where the two broken parts met.
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Tips & Warnings
When soldering, do so over a heat resistant surface.
Soldering irons usually turn on when plugged in. Do not leave the tool unattended.
Do not breathe in any fumes formed by melting metals. Use the tool only in a well ventilated area.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
