Using Carbon Steel Woodruff Keys as Soldering Assistants
Hardware Helpers
How to create your own solder station assistants
By Helen I. Driggs
(Originally Published by MJSA January 2025)
I love my old-fashioned town hardware store as a go-to source for unique and useful parts to repurpose in my shop. Recently, I came across a small plastic pack of Woodruff keys in the hardware aisle, and my curiosity was piqued. These small, curved steel “keys” are typically used in machinery to prevent metal parts from sliding around when mounted on a metal shaft, such as in auto engines or other machines. To me, they looked like great solder station helpers specifically because they were made from carbon steel, meaning a non-stick solution under the flame.
1. In addition to the three-pack I purchased at the local hardware store, I later discovered a boxed assortment for sale at Harbor Freight. The keys come in various metals, including plated steel, but be sure to select the blackened carbon steel version for its nonstick property during soldering.
2. The variety of diameters and thicknesses makes these keys incredibly versatile for holding and supporting small parts while soldering.
3. I used to use nickel coins to position jump rings at the right height for joining to pendants or other jewelry. Now, I prefer Woodruff keys because they can be stacked in many configurations to suit different needs.
4. Great for shielding thin metals from potential meltdown, they also prevent delicate parts from moving around.
5. I use the keys to weigh down thinner bezels, too. There’s no risk of collapse or melting a bezel since the keys act as heat sinks, offering additional protection against excessive heat.
6. Lastly, I use them in tandem with a third hand to reflect heat when I am joining thick to thin metals.
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