How do i prevent Sterling Ball Chain snapping after soldering?

[silvermagpie]

Hello all,
i've been soldering end caps onto sterling ball chain...but 2 out of 4 made and the Ball chain is snapping right off.
How can i prevent this, as it's getting rather frustrating now.
Or is there any alternative way i can attach the end caps securely?

[mizgeorge]

It a tricky thing to do. I use paste solder pushed into the cap and heat from the top end only, keeping the flame well away from the chain itself.

However, crimped ends are a lot easier to use with ball chain.

[silvermagpie]

It a tricky thing to do. I use paste solder pushed into the cap and heat from the top end only, keeping the flame well away from the chain itself.

However, crimped ends are a lot easier to use with ball chain.

Yes, i tried to keep away from the chain but as you say - it's tricky.
Maybe i will be better off using the crimp on ends.
Any idea where i can buy them from as i can't see them on the Cookson website (the ball chain i'm using is the 1.2mm Sterling Ball Chain)?

[mizgeorge]

I'd have thought Palmer Metals might be the best place to try.

[silvermagpie]

OK, will have a look.
Thank you!

[silvermagpie]

Just spotted these:

http://www.palmermetals.co.uk/shop/sterling-silver-bead-chain-crimp-end-1-4mm.html and these http://www.palmermetals.co.uk/shop/sterling-silver-crimp-end-1-7mm.html

Not sure if the 1.4mm or the 1.7mm would be more compatible with my 1.2mm Ball chain though?

[mizgeorge]

Probably the 1.4mm. They're so cheap though, and free postage, you could try both without too many worries!

[silvermagpie]

Reading both descriptions again, i reckon the 1.4mm will be more compatible.
The 1.7mm is supposed to be for 1.5mm cord so think maybe that one would be slightly too wide.