How to fix broken snake chain?

Repairing jewelry for customers is a common component of a business that comes through your door unexpectedly, and it may be a terrific way to supplement your jewelry designs with extra income. Knowing the ins and outs of jewelry chain repair is therefore beneficial.

We've put together everything you need to know about jewelry chain repair, from necessary repairs to soldering chains, in our jewelry chain repair guide so you can make proper and professional chain repairs for your customers.

Now to repair a broken necklace chain

Chains come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some being considerably easier to repair than others. Learning the fundamentals of necklace chain repair will prepare you for more advanced jewelry chain repair techniques, such as soldering outstanding jewelry chain links together.

Let's begin with the fundamentals of chain maintenance. Because the chain is made up of interlocking links, this is only possible with chains like cable chain or curb chain. Other more complicated designs, such as rope chain or ball chain, may necessitate more time and effort.

Identify the problem

What happened to the broken chain? Is it the clasp or a chain link that's causing the problem? The clasp links the necklace, which is where the majority of jewelry chain wear happens.

This is where the greatest amount of pressure is applied. If the clasp spring has broken or the clasp has come loose, you may need to replace it with a clasp that is nearly identical and reattach it. Continue reading if the chain link is broken.

Study the chain

To see how each of the links in the chain you're working on has been corrected together, you'll need to look at it closely. You're in luck if it's a main link via an attachment!

Is there an open link left?

You can directly repair the chain link. If not, you may need to replace the old link with a new one that you purchase or generate. Move any remaining chain links to the opposite end of the collar.

Take your needle-nose pliers and close the chain link in the same way you would a jump ring after it is secure. Bring the two ends together by twisting them together. This way, the overall shape of the chain link is preserved.

Need to replace the chain link?

It's no problem. To create your repair as mentioned above, try to match the chain link as nearly as feasible. If you're having problems locating a match, fine wire can be used to make a new link.

Carefully close the chain link

The most important thing to remember while making a new chain link or repairing a breaker is to secure the link as securely as possible. Pinch the chain link with your pliers until the joint is properly aligned.

Our basic snake chain repair tip

Some chains appear to be unrepairable! However, there are a few simple techniques you can utilize to remedy this issue. Because of the way snake chain is designed, it appears improbable that it will self-repair.

Rather than replacing the chain links themselves, we recommend upgrading the snake chain's end by adding a chain extender. This manner, you'll be able to hold the rest of the chain together while also addressing the weakest link: the clasp.

Welding snake chain is a difficult task. It is, nonetheless, possible! To succeed, you'll need a steady hand, patience, and a lot of practice. To fix the snake chain, you'll need to weld your chain extension to each end. This following chain link welding tip will be a breeze once you've mastered that.

Welding chains: tips and tricks

Chain soldering may appear difficult at first, but after you've mastered these techniques, your customers will come to you for gold chain repairs again and again.

Before you begin practicing soldering chain links, make sure you have all of the necessary soldering tools and supplies.

Make sure the ends of each link in the chain are as aligned as possible.

The stronger the weld joint and the better the connection in each link of the chain, the better the weld will work. Gather all your damaged jewelry chain links to ensure you have a straight, flush joint.

Line them up in a pair of parallel pliers with the joints on each side facing the same direction. Once everything is in place, start sewing at the join spots with your jeweler's saw.

You should have a straight, flush joint ready to solder once you've accurately sawed each link of the chain.

Now for the welding part!

It's no wonder that the power of your illumination might offset your weld when you're working on such a small scale. Not to mention the possibility that your solder will remain in a ball on your chain link, resulting in a messed-up chain link repair.

The best technique to acquire a precise solder junction without welding your chains together is to use a soldering probe.

Apply a modest quantity of flux to the chain link's junction. Then, on the end of your soldering probe, apply a small amount of solder. With your torch, heat it until the solder flows all the way to the end of the solder probe.

Apply heat to the solder probe, not the joint, by gently touching the solder-covered probe to the chain link connection.

The heat will be absorbed sufficiently by the solder probe to remelt the solder and aid its flow into the solder in this manner. Remove the pick from the chain after the solder has flowed, then turn off, peel off, and rinse your work.

After learning the fundamentals of jewelry chain repair, you can incorporate it into your jewelry-making repertoire and even provide it as a regular service to your existing customers.