Sterling clips

[Carl Pepka]

I'd like to make a few clips out of sheet sterling but really lost on what would be the best gauge to use, anybody have a suggestion?

 

[Dalecamino]

Mike Redburn at silverpenparts.com knows about silver and all kinds of stuff :wink: Mredburn on the forum.

 

[mredburn]

If your going to do a flat sheet and they are somewhat wide, 5mm+, 18g is the thinnest I would use, 16g or 14g would be better. You should also heat treat it by putting it in the over around 550 degrees for two hours and then air cool It. Hammering or running the clip through a rolling mill to compress and work harden the metal would help if the design allows it.

 

[Carl Pepka]

Thanks, Mike. I picked up some 14g and 16g sheet thats dead soft. I've worked with sterling years go for jewelry but I'm giving Argentium a go this time around. Made this clip from a bracelet cutoff in Dec.

 

[Dalecamino]

Nice!

 

[mredburn]

When you have the clip shaped and formed chuck it in the oven at 500 degrees for two hours. That will help work harden it.