It’s a question that has crossed the mind of many a jewelry maker or crafter – can you solder silver with a soldering iron? The answer, as it turns out, is not always black and white. There are a few things to take into account before you try to solder silver with a soldering iron, and in this article we will go over them all! By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether or not soldering silver with a soldering iron is right for you.
What is Soldering
If you’re a jewelry maker, chances are you’ve considered soldering silver at some point. But what exactly is soldering? Soldering is a process in which two or more pieces of metal are joined together by melting and flowing a filler metal (solder) into the joint. Because the filler metal has a lower melting point than the base metals being joined, it can be melted without harming them.
Solder joints are stronger than the base metal, so they can withstand forces that would break the unsoldered joint. In addition, most solder joints are electrically conductive, so they can be used to create electrical connections between two pieces of metal.
When the tip of the soldering iron touches the solder, the heat from the iron melts it. This molten solder then flows into the joint between the two pieces of metal being joined.
As the molten solder cools, it forms a strong bond between the two pieces of metal. Solder joints are typically stronger than either piece of metal alone, so they can withstand forces that would break an unsoldered joint.
There are many different types of metals that can be soldered, but silver is one of the most difficult metals to solder. This is because silver has a very high melting point (1763 degrees Fahrenheit) and it is also very sensitive to heat.
If you are new to soldering, it is always best to practice on some scrap metal before trying to solder your final piece. This will help you get a feel for the process. [1], [2], [3], [4]
Types of Soldering
There two most main types of soldering “soft soldering” and “hard soldering.”
Soft soldering is a technique where lower temperatures are used to join metals together. This type of soldering is typically used with electronics and electrical work. The most common alloy for soft soldering is known as “60/40” which has a melting point of 356 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that a bond created by soft soldering will not be as strong as a bond created by hard soldering.
Hard soldering, on the other hand, uses much higher temperatures to join two pieces of metals together. Hard solders use alloys that have a lower melting point, such as lead-free solders. Hard soldering is typically used for joining together metals that are thick or have a high melting point, such as silver. It is often used for joining pipes and other types of metalwork that need to be able to withstand high stress or heat.
Hard soldering requires the use of pickling solutions and soldering fluxes to remove the oxides from the surface of the metals being joined. These solutions and fluxes help to prevent the formation of new oxides during the soldering process.
Now that we know the difference between the two types of soldering, let’s answer the question: can you solder silver with a soldering iron? [1], [2], [3]
How to Solder Silver With a Soldering Iron?
While it is possible to solder silver with a soldering iron, it is not the best method and can be difficult to do so. We have already explained that silver has a pretty high melting point, and this can make it challenging to work with.
We don’t recommend you use soldering iron to solder precious metals like silver. Not only will it struggle to heat the silver enough to melt the solder, but it is also more likely that you will damage the metal.
Instead, we suggest using a jeweler’s torch. This will give you much more control over the heat and make it easier to solder silver without damaging it.
If you must use a soldering iron to solder silver, there are a few things that you can do to make the process easier before, during and after. Let’s discuss them.
Use a butane-powered soldering iron
If you’re going to be soldering silver with a soldering iron, you’ll need to use a butane-powered soldering iron. Butane is a gas that is used to heat up the tip of the soldering iron, and it’s also what gives the flame its blue color. You can find butane-powered soldering irons at most hardware stores.
While most soldering irons will struggle to heat silver enough to solder it, a butane-powered soldering iron will have no such problem. These types of irons are designed to get extremely hot and can reach temperatures that are well above what is needed to solder silver. [5], [6]
Use silver hard solders to solder silver
One of the best ways to solder silver is to use a silver hard solder. Silver hard solders are made specifically for joining silver and they won’t discolor the metal like some other types of solder can.
You can find silver hard solders at most jewelry supply stores, or you can order them online. Just make sure that you get the right type of solder for the job.
Do not use a tin-based solder with silver
If you’re going to be soldering silver, it’s important that you use the right kind of solder. And a tin-based solder is not going to perform well. This is because the tin will melt and combine with the silver, which will make it very difficult to solder. This can also cause the silver to deform and discolor. [3]
Always work on a charcoal soldering block
When you are working with a soldering iron, always use a charcoal soldering block. This will prevent the heat from escaping and will help to keep the silver in place. If you don’t have a charcoal block, you can use a piece of scrap wood or something similar. Just make sure that whatever you use is heat resistant and won’t absorb heat. [5], [6]
Use general purpose flux
If you’re going to be soldering silver with a soldering iron, it’s important to use the right flux. Flux is a material that helps to clean the surfaces of metals and prevent them from oxidizing. When you heat up metals, the oxygen in the air can cause them to tarnish or discolor. Flux helps to protect the metal from this oxidation by creating a barrier between the metal and the oxygen.
General purpose flux is a good choice for most applications. It’s important to apply the flux before you start heating the silver. This will help prevent oxidation and make the solder flow more easily. [5], [6]
Always use a pickle solution compatible with silver
Of course, after you’re done soldering, you’re going to want to clean your silver. But using the wrong pickle solution can actually undo all your soldering efforts. Silver reacts differently than other metals when exposed to heat, and therefore requires a different pickling solution. You can find specially formulated silver pickle solutions at most craft stores, or online. [5], [6]
Comparison of Indicators to Determine the Feasibility of Soldering Silver with a Soldering Iron
In this table, we will compare different indicators to determine whether it is possible to solder silver with a soldering iron.
| Indicator | Result (°F) |
|---|---|
| Silver’s melting point | 1763.2°F |
| Soldering iron’s temperature range | 662°F to 842°F |
| Silver’s thermal conductivity | 773.8 BTU/(hr·ft·°F) |
| Solder’s melting point | 361°F to 374°F |
| Solder’s composition | Usually contains lead, tin, and sometimes silver |
Explanation:
- Silver’s high melting point of 1763.2°F makes it difficult to solder with a soldering iron, which typically operates at a temperature range of 662°F to 842°F.
- Silver’s high thermal conductivity of 773.8 BTU/(hr·ft·°F) means that heat dissipates quickly, making it difficult to heat the entire piece of silver uniformly with a soldering iron.
- The melting point of the solder used in the soldering process is much lower than that of silver, typically ranging from 361°F to 374°F.
- The composition of the solder used in the process may include silver, but it usually contains lead and tin, which may not bond well with silver.
Based on these indicators, it is challenging to solder silver with a soldering iron. Alternative methods such as brazing, which uses higher temperatures and different alloys, may be more suitable for soldering silver.
FAQ
What is needed to solder silver?
In order to solder silver, you will need a soldering iron, some silver solder, and some flux. The type of soldering iron you use will depend on the type of work you are doing. If you are working with small pieces of silver, you may want to use a soldering iron with a fine tip. For larger pieces, you can use a soldering iron with a wider tip.
You will also need some sort of stand to hold your soldering iron while you are working. This can be anything from a simple wooden block to a more elaborate stand that holds the soldering iron in place and has room for all of your other tools.
How do you solder silver at home?
If you’re looking to solder silver at home, there are a few things you’ll need to know. First, it’s important to use the correct type of soldering iron. Silver has a low melting point, so you’ll need an iron that can reach temperatures between 900 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also need some silver solder, which can be found at most hardware stores.
How do you melt silver with a soldering iron?
The best way to melt silver with a soldering iron is to use a butane powered soldering iron. These types of soldering irons have a very high heat output and can easily reach the melting temperatures of silver.
Useful Video: 🔥 Silver Soldering Basics and Technique
Conclusion
While soldering silver is possible with a soldering iron, it is not the ideal method. Soldering iron simply doesn’t have the power required to melt the silver. If you’re looking for the best way to solder silver, your best bet is to use a torch. This will give you the high temperatures needed to create a strong bond.
If you do want to solder silver with a soldering iron, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always use a silver hard solder. This will make the process much easier and will prevent any tarnishing or discoloration of the metal. Second, use general purpose flux to help protect the metal from oxidation. Finally, be careful not to damage the metal, silver is a precious metal after all. Just be sure to follow these tips and you’ll be able to successfully solder silver with a soldering iron! Thanks for reading! I hope this guide was helpful.
References:
- https://scanditronictech.com/resources/pcb-soldering/
- https://www.hunker.com/12168656/how-does-spot-welding-work
- https://www.rings-things.com/blog/soldering-101
- https://www.bullionbypost.co.uk/index/silver/melting-point-of-silver/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Solder-Silver
- https://handtoolsforfun.com/can-i-solder-silver-with-a-soldering-iron/#can-i-solder-silver-with-a-solder-gun
