Work harden ear wires

[paulcoyne]

Hey all I am new hear, My name is Paul and I am from Ireland.

Having a problem I am trying to work harden silver ear wires they are .8mm thick and 70mm long folded in half, I have tried putting them in the tumbler (4 hours), they are soldered onto a silver disc. I have even used a plastic hammer with no great success.

I would appreciate some help.

Paul

[caroleallen]

Hi Paul and welcome.

You could try running a burnisher over them quite firmly.

[paulcoyne]

Great I might try that now!

[mizgeorge]

I generally twist harden mine before bending them. Grab each end fairly firmly in pliers (though not hard enough to compress the metal), hold taut, and twist. You'll feel the difference almost immediately.

[paulcoyne]

Burnisher didn't change the situation enough, but twist hardening was the answer it worked great and was just what I needed. :ta:
I will be asking questions here every day now
Paul.

[ps_bond]

It's also a really good way to be sure your solder joints are good enough :)