Jewelers of America

Jewelers of America

Year 1

Bench / Manufacturing, MJSA Journal Archives

Simple Clips for More Secure Soldering

Hold On

Make these strips to secure your next join

By Helen I. Driggs

There is nothing worse than taking the time to set up an amazing feat of balance on your soldering block only to have it tumble down once the torch joins the act. I am not a huge fan of using third hands and/or other heat sinks while I solder, but sometimes you don’t have a choice and that’s where these handy little clips can often save the day. I make them from titanium sheet metal because, unlike binding wire, solder won’t stick to it. I made four clips and they’re always ready to help with whatever soldering job I give them.

To make your own set of clips, you’ll need a few strips of titanium sheet, flat-nose pliers, looping pliers, a ruler, and a Sharpie.

1. Cut a strip of titanium sheet. I like to use 4 inch by 3/16 inch strips, but these measurements are not critical. With a ruler, find the center point of the strip and mark it with the Sharpie.

2. Bend the strip at the center point with looping pliers to form it into a longish U shape.

3. With flat-nose pliers, grip one arm of the U about 3/4 inch from the end and angle it upward.

4. The goal is to angle it to create a gentle bend in the strip.

5. Reposition the pliers in the bend so they sit toward the inside of the U. Place the unbent arm of the U down on the bench and simultaneously push the strip down and into the curve of the U to close the arms of the U until they touch.

6. The upper arm of the clip will be shorter than the lower one, but they should align widthwise and tightly touch each other. There will be quite a bit of spring in the clip, which will provide great holding power even after repeated torch use.

7. Three clips will hold down even the most warped, wiggly, and stubborn thick wire to textured sheet solder joins.

8. I use these clips to prevent slipping while soldering an inside butt join using tubing and sheet. The clip supports the sheet at the proper height, keeps it level, and securely grips the tubing to hold it perfectly vertical.

9. Posts and wires stay put for easy vertical soldering.

10. They can also be used so overlays stay where you put them. Another use for these clips is to raise sheet just above a ceramic soldering block for more rapid and even heating.