hardening brooch pins

[LydiaNiz]

I have always been insufficiently pleased with silver pins. I keep meaning to get some steel wire to make them. I remember I think Dennis giving a supplier but I am damned if I can find it now.

[enigma]

This is their email Lydia
sales@kcsmith.co.uk

You have to have a minimum order but its so cheap it doesn't really matter.
I find them FAR better and wondered why I didn't change sooner!

[Dennis]

Yes, 0.8mm suits me best for most brooches. It comes off a reel, but fingers will straighten it with a little patient massaging.

The only problem for some, is making the eye with round pliers, as it is so hard. However it is possible just to anneal about 4.0mm because heat won't travel along it very far. Then you can bend it easily, but it hardens again with the effort and does not need soldering. Finally it will need a bit of re-polishing. Dennis.

[enigma]

Now he tells me…..

Seriously, thanks Dennis! It is a struggle to bend it as it is, Im just working on one now so will definitely try that

[LydiaNiz]

Appreciated! Thank you

[trialuser]

I use this
No idea if it's the done thing but it seems to work well. It will last a lifetime.