How to Solder Split Rings

Split rings attach jewelry components together, make chains and add decoration to jewelry designs. The split side is soldered, so the ends do not separate after the jewelry piece is finished. Soldering a split ring takes few skills and is easily done. Some people refrain from soldering split rings because it requires the use of a propane or butane torch, but using the torch isn't difficult.

• 1

  Pick up the jump ring you want closed with one pair of needle-nose pliers. Close the open gap using the second pair of needle-nose pliers. Close the opening as tightly as possible before soldering.

• 2

  Put the jump ring on a fire brick with the open section facing you. The fire brick keeps anything from getting damaged while soldering. It is a good idea to do this outside.

• 3

  Push the solder paste into the jump ring on the split area. Use a toothpick or wooden craft stick to push solder all the way into the crack.

• 4

  Ignite the torch. Move the flame back and forth over the area containing the solder. The solder liquefies and moves through the split area, bonding the two sides of the split ring together.

• 5

  Turn off the torch, and let the split ring cool. Once it is cool, check for any rough edges. If there are rough edges, sand them off carefully with fine sandpaper.