Soldering Technique - Earring Posts

Terri McCarthy, local artist, instructor and metalsmith from Grafton, WI visited Cool Tools to create this "How to" video. In this basic soldering video, learn how to solder an earring post to create an earring with textured metal.
Check out our product list page at: cooltools.us/c...
The tools and supplies are listed below.
Wooden Dapping Block (DAP-308)
Jewelry Shape Template - Tapered Drops (TMP-430)
Pickle Pot (POL-810)
Silver Prep (SOL-101)
Solder Cutting Pliers (PLR-152)
Cutting Pliers (PLR-400)
Big Shot Industrial Torch (SOL-704)
Solder Pick (SOL-301)
Cross Lock Tweezers (TWZ-302)
Torch Lighter (SOL-750)
Silver Solder - Cut Pieces - Easy (SOL-225)
Silver Solder Wire (SOL-217)
Flux (SOL-108)
Flux Brush (PNT-403)
Earring Post (
Tweezers (TWZ-104)
Annealing Pan with Pumice (SOL-504)
Patina Gel (POL-802)
Soldering Board (SOL-406)
Water Dish (ACC-211)

[@drewpearson7911]

Great video and helpful. I have a hook that broke off my wife’s pendant. It’s been fun trying to get it back on strong enough to hold. After seeing this I tried using my small torch and followed your video and after two attempts, burned fingers, and a whole lot of curse words. I’m happy to say that it worked perfectly. Thank you. 🙏🏼 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jenniferpage7029]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! Soldering posts is the bane of my existence. I am not a soldering novice, but posts have always eluded me. I have watched many tutorials and tried many different techniques and this is the first time I've actually gotten the posts to all stay put!

[@Govindons]

Thanks! This technique worked beautifully for me!

[@ww89]

Neat and clean! Thanks for the video!

[@iffatalvi5151]

Is there any class one can take to learn about all this , like fixing jewlery? Thank you

[@diyasen2239]

what post are you using? I have mostly seen those with a 5 - 6mm base. Does cool tools have posts with smaller base? Thanks

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Diya, Yes, we do have a smaller base version. Thank you for your question! Here is a link: www.cooltools.us/Sterling-Silver-Earring-Post-with-1-5mm-Pad-p/fnd-960.htm

[@asheunoia4585]

Thank you!!! Just a quick question…. What type of metals are you using? Is it a copper earring? I cannot figure out how to fuse a post to a copper earring 😩❤️

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi, Terri is soldering copper to a sterling silver earring post. Hope this helps!

[@PlinniBundaCake]

Hi there. I'm trying to make internally threaded blank bezel caps for micro dermal tops. How would I go about making a 1.2mm threaded post? Ive though about getting micro screws and sawing off the heads, then soldering the threaded posts onto blank bezel caps. Any help would be appreciated.

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Jibi! There is a tool called a tap and dye that can be used to cut internally and externally treaded screws. However, they are made of tool steel and would not cut titanium or surgical steel with out damaging the tap and dye. They will cut, silver, gold and base metals. This metals are soft in comparison to titanium and steel and the treads do break down with each use. You could potentially cut the heads off and solder them on the bezel cup. Please, be aware that the solder can fill the treads and a solder resist will need to be used. It would be best to find a micro screw head that is flat and you could solder it to the bezel. Also, please be aware that dermal jewelry is made from titanium or surgical steel for a reason. Body piercings are supper sensitive to other metals with the exception of gold. Please, let us know if there is any thing else we can help you with. Best, Annie

[@Makermook]

Can you tell me what kind of torch is being used in this video?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Mark, this is an acetylene torch. You can find it here: www.cooltools.us/SilverSmith-Acetylene-and-Air-Torch-Kit-p/sol-715.htm

[@irenecase1933]

loved your video, very clear nice technique. Can you tell me how do you solder a post to an enamel earing?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, the post would have to be soldered on prior to the enameling of the earring. Since enamel is usually fused somewhere around 1400-1500, you would need to use either Hard (flows at 1450) or IT Extra Hard (flows at 1490) solder. I would recommend programing your kiln to 1400 for the enameling to keep the temperature lower than the flow temp of the solder. Once the post is soldered on, you would just have to make sure you throughly clean it to remove any flux or pickle from the piece, and then it may be treated as any other piece they are enameling. You'll just have to keep an eye on the piece to make sure it doesn't get too hot or the solder will flow and the post will fall over. Karen

[@IS-sl3dt]

do you have a video on how to make posts?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Isabella, here is a link to another video by Terri about soldering earring posts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpbEXo2Pa7eZoJo Have a good day!

[@jimmykauaiboy]

@@cooltoolsvideos how to make earring post

[@esliet]

Can easy solder be used ?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, the earring post is usually the last solder join to be made. So easy solder is a secure join. It is what Terri used in this video. Thank you for your question!

[@fionapatterson5283]

Why can't Americans pronounce 'solder' properly?!!

[@BlitzkriegBopBaby]

I don't know how it's pronounced where you're from, but she is indeed pronouncing solder correctly as in America, we say it with the "L" silent! You DO realize that based on different geographic regions and/or countries, that they are different ways to pronounce words, don't you? For instance, I don't make stupid comments that people from the UK don't pronounce schedule and aluminium properly because it's different from how we say it! 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@fionapatterson5283]

@@BlitzkriegBopBaby Yeah, Americans can't get those words right, either 🙂. How about adhering to the guidelines and not being insulting.

[@dorianneutral1787]

These comments are too funny 🤣

[@springpamthompson7078]

See War of 1812. We literally won the right to write new guidelines to our liking. LOL