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Not happy with placement of my soldered jump rings!

#1

I made a bezel, and soldered a jump ring on either end (where I will be attaching cords to make a bracelet for my niece).
Many lessons in metalsmithing, and this time I learned that you should see the work you are doing, and not solder from behind, simply trusting that you’ve set it up correctly. I thought it was a good method, because it kept the assembly level.
Anyway, my question is, can I re-melt the solder and sliiiide those jump rings off? Or do I have to snip, saw, and sand? The rings are 16 gauge square wire.
Thank you.

bezel.jpg506x506 206 KB

#2

It depends on what grade solder you have used, easy solders will run a second time but some harder solders will not. Next time you need to do a job like this consider using titanium soldering clamps, you buy strips and shape them how you want, I would use clamps shaped like this for holding that type of rings in place for soldering.

42a Clamp in use.jpg2700x4050 584 KB
17 Example of use for 2nd type clamp.jpg2700x2025 398 KB

#3

Thank you for that tip, James. I have seen those titanium clamps somewhere before, and it does seem like a good idea, as placement is always a challenge.

I think I used medium solder for the rings. I guess I’ll try to protect the bezel itself, and just give it a try to heat and pull. Otherwise, for this one I’ll re-fashion it by cutting and sanding.

By the way, the hole will be pretty with a polished labradorite peeking through the heart opening - it is the back, so a secret for my neice, the wearer.

Thanks!

#4

Yes, you can do it…use lots of flux. try to secure the base, then heat and slide

#5

I suggest holding the ring with a third hand and using a solder pick to
gently pull down on the rest of the assembly when it looks hot enough.

Noël

#6

Thank you for this tip - I will slather it up, and also use ochre on the joined components I do not want to move.

#7

Sounds like a good idea, I will definitely give that a go. Thank you.