My wife has a bracelet, quite a chunky one, with what I suppose might be called a "keep chain". Anyway, the chain's broken and I'd like to try repairing it. Rather than just bend the links I want to solder them - how difficult is it to solder silver? I'm moderately competent at soldering electrical connections, if I remember my glasses. Do I need any special equipment? Or would I be better off looking for a silversmith?
Thanks
Edward
You _can_ solder to silver using ordinary electronics solder - but it's not really the right way to do it. It won't be as strong as a 'proper' silver-soldered joint, and you may find that the soft, lead-based solder will mark light-coloured clothing...
You can 'diy'-it with silver-solder (use 'easy' grade - as it melts at a slightly lower temperature, but you stand a good chance of melting the links while you're doing the soldering and you'll need the right flux.
Unless you intend doing a lot of it in future I'd find a silversmith to do it for you.
HTH Adrian
Sound advice, I'm sure. Just thought I'd check....
Thanks
Edward
Be aware that the term "silver solder" now has two different meanings: In my younger days it was a high temperature solder melted by blowlamp and used for "brazing" brass items together. Nowadays the term is also applied to a lead-free solder used with a soldering iron for electronics, as at
Chris
...
Sound advice, I'm sure. Just thought I'd check....
Sound advice indeed. Even Spouse, who has a lot of experience with such things, wouldn't risk attempting to repair a fine chain on a loved object.
Mary
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