How to Solder Jump Rings

Co-authored by Vanessa Stahl

Last Updated: August 14, 2020 References

Soldering is the process of heating metals and permanently binding them through the use of an added solder. Whether you need to use this technique for jewelry making or a number of other household projects, soldering jump rings is a common technique for do-it-yourself enthusiasts. Read the following article to learn how to solder jump rings for your at-home projects.

Steps

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There is only one temperament of solder that requires a lower heat (called low-temperature solder). Jump rings, therefore, do not require a solder that melts at a very high temperature.
- Cut extra-easy solder into very small chips using tin snips that do not exceed .03 inch (1 mm) squares.
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Apply flux to both ends of the opened jump rings with a small, fine paintbrush.
- Flux is an agent that assists the solder in flowing into the joint. Flux comes in a variety of forms, but one common form is borax.
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Place your jump ring on a charcoal block.^{[3]
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- Before soldering jump rings, the joint should be touching the block.
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Heat the jump ring as well the charcoal block and do not directly heat the solder.^{[6]
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- When you solder metal jump rings, the solder will flow to the hottest place.
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Watch for the solder to melt.
- The solder will have a liquid appearance at this stage.
Immediately remove the heat.
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Place the jump ring into a pickle solution.^{[7]
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- A pickle is a solution that removes a layer of oxidation on the soldered metal.

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Can I use a soldering iron instead?

T. Chinsen

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As long as the temperature of the soldering iron can reach the temperature of the solder, it can be used to solder the ring. Keep in mind that the metal also has to absorb enough heat to melt the solder. The solder torch provides a burst of high heat, while an iron gives a slower rate of heat on its tip.

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Fusing of metal jump rings is not necessarily as strong as the bond of metals fused by a solder that melts at a higher temperature.

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The color of hard solder most closely matches silver. Extra-easy solder does not perfectly match that of silver, but it is much easier to work with.

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Warnings

Don't use a pickle solution on silver-plated items as the solution can actually remove a layer of silver, exposing the base metal.

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Don't apply an overabundance of flux into the jump ring joint. When you solder jump rings, you apply a flame, and the flux can bubble up from the heat. This can displace the solder chip.

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