Extreme tapered headpins

[Sheen]

I want to make a headpin with a much wider taper than hammering the end of a 0.8 piece of would give me, how would i do this? As wide as 2-3mm perhaps. Bear in mind i only have basic tools. Could i solder a triangle of sheet metal to the end of the wire or would that be weak as hell?

[Dennis]

Hold it vertical , flux the end and heat with a small flame until you have a ball of a suitable size, then flatten the end.

Inserting the wire into a hole in some hard metal (draw plate, watch makers riveting block) helps you do the tapping.

Alternatively, cheat and cut a thin slice from some thick round wire, then solder that on to your 0.8mm.

[Sheen]

Hi dennis, wrote my description of what i wanted to do badly. See drawing below. Is this called a paddle headpin?

[Dennis]

Dunno, but if I were to make that paddle I would start with thicker wire, forge the head, and then file down the pin, as with my forged brooch pin. Dennis

[Sheen]

Thanks dennis.

[Sheen]

Hold it vertical , flux the end and heat with a small flame until you have a ball of a suitable size, then flatten the end.

Inserting the wire into a hole in some hard metal (draw plate, watch makers riveting block) helps you do the tapping.

Alternatively, cheat and cut a thin slice from some thick round wire, then solder that on to your 0.8mm.

Why do you flux the wire to make the ball end?

[Dennis]

Experiments seem to show that you get a smoother ball when fluxed and other members have said the same. Dennis.

[Sheen]

I was wondering if that was the reason, thanks