Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 23

Thread: Shears or pliers for solder.

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Posts
    8

    Default Shears or pliers for solder.

    Hi - I've decided I need some better shears for cutting my hard solder paillons as mine are old and rubbish now! I don't know whether to try the solder pliers that Cooksongold have with the yellow handles. Do they cut well? Or don't know whether to go for some shears instead, although there are a few different options to choose from so I'm not sure what are the best quality. I just want something that cuts really well as I don't roll my solder strips before cutting them as I haven't got a rolling mill. What does anyone else use to cut their solder? Thank you.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    England
    Posts
    1,902

    Default

    I use standard metal shears, but when cutting hard solder pallions I saw pierce down the strip first so that I get nice flat pallions.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	10a Hard silver solder cut into pallions copy.jpg 
Views:	34 
Size:	72.8 KB 
ID:	11518

    James

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Posts
    8

    Default

    They look nice and neat for sure! I hadn't thought about saw piercing first - I've just used my shears to nip in 3 or 4 parallel cuts and then snip across those to make my little pieces, but the narrow strips do tend to curl up when I cut with my rubbish shears, so perhaps I should saw pierce instead and invest in some high quality shears instead. Mine are ancient now and are chewing up the solder so they've had it. I was tempted to try the solder pliers, but I didn't want to waste money on them if they aren't so good.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    England
    Posts
    1,902

    Default

    These are my solder cutting shears, I have had them for many years, they are similar to these cheapies ; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Straight-Je...l+shears+snips

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	40 shears.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	34.8 KB 
ID:	11523

    James

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,851

    Default

    Yes, get what James recommends. The pliers you mention will drive you mad if you need more than one or two pallions.

    I have also taken to piercing strips first, as James has shown, for much neater pallions. Dennis.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Posts
    8

    Default

    Thanks both. :-) Funnily enough those are exactly the type I have. Although I bought them 22 years ago when I started my silversmithing course. I sharpened them a bit and tightened the screw as they seemed 'loose' but they still seem to be chewing up my solder so I thought perhaps it was time for some more and that it would be worth investing in some swanky ones instead. Although you seem to be doing well with yours. Perhaps I just need a new pair of the same like you have and I'll be fine if I saw pierce my solder strips first. I don't think I'll bother with the pliers then Dennis - thank you for your advice. :-)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Posts
    8

    Default

    Actually those Amazon ones do look better than mine, even though they are virtually the same and certainly worth a try at that price!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    116

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Goldsmith View Post
    I use standard metal shears, but when cutting hard solder pallions I saw pierce down the strip first so that I get nice flat pallions.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	10a Hard silver solder cut into pallions copy.jpg 
Views:	34 
Size:	72.8 KB 
ID:	11518

    James
    Doh! Just tried it. That needs to be the #1 tip in every book and video where soldering is concerned. Thank you, thank you, triple thank you, James

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Posts
    8

    Default

    Thank you for your suggestions. :-) I always find it a minefield when trying to decide on new tools (or replacing old ones) as there's so much choice. I wonder sometimes whether it's best to spend more or whether that's not strictly necessary to get good quality. I was tempted to buy some Gilbow shears but they'll be getting on for £30 so perhaps a cheaper pair will be just as good for what I need.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Romsey
    Posts
    5,258

    Default

    Many tool suppliers exist to part you with your hard-earned. There's a huge difference between what is the essential tool for the job and what is nice to have.
    FWIW - Gilbows here too. I've got some larger old ones I picked up second-hand that are fantastic too - they keep on performing.

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •