Crystal Ring

This project can also be done with super glue if you don’t have means to solder.

The third picture is as shown on my daughter's little hands.

Step 1 Strip a coat hanger

Use sand paper to remove any coating on a section of coat hanger. To help speed up the process I spun a piece in my drill press.

CAUTION! If you do it this make sure to hold the wire before you turn the drill on. Otherwise the section of wire will turn into a whip / weed wacker. Be careful and work within your experience.

Comments

[puddingpet]

I think I've seen coat hanger wire straight, uncoated at the hardware store before.

[Penolopy Bulnick]

So adorable!

[dolwiz]

I love this idea. My boyfriend could propose with this and I wouldn't love him less, probably more knowing the effort he would put into it..

[mcshawnboy]

In step 3, if tape doesn't keep it in place you can get something used by lapidaries to mount stones for shaping called "Dop Wax" is about $10, but would likely last a lifetime. Here's pot to heat it easy & safe, reheat it to remove after polishing. : ) http://www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/product.php?id=94265&catID=1125

[psuddeth]

Whadaya coat it with to keep it from rusting?

[Mrballeng]

You can use clear nail polish. I have not noticed a problem with rust yet but then again I live in a desert.

[nanosec12]

I would monitor this carefully, especially with small children. Most coat hangers are made of a low grade steel, which will rust from the moisture on your skin. This can leave a reddish stain to the skin that is hard to wash off, but will eventually come clean.

Other than that, what a great project.

[Mrballeng]

Don't worry I used a Tiffany Platinum hanger. Actually it's a regular coat hanger =).

Thanks for the advise, I'll keep an eye out.

[tkjtkj]

i had no idea that one could solder steel ..

old dog + new trick !

[srilyk]

You can coat the hanger using a clear coat polyurethane. It won't be perfect, since it will chip and you'll have to re-apply, but at least it will work for a while. You also might experiment with anodizing - you can get several different colors of anodization. Of course it increases the price slightly...

You can find instructables about anodiztion.

[Pie Ninja]

You can't anodise steel; the properties of rust make it impossible (well it is possible, but entirely pointless). With Aluminium or Titanium, you get a tightly locked layer of oxide. But with steel or iron, you just end up with flaky rust, exactly what you're trying to avoid.

The best solution would probably be a coat of paint or lacquer; or, better yet, use aluminium and anodize it :P

[coopgrl88]

can you electroplate it?

[nanosec12]

Yes, of course you can.....You can use any of several methods to plate it with silver, gold, platinum etc. But, honestly, I believe that this was supposed to be an easy/inexpensive craft to do with/for children. Taking it to the electroplating level is a bit beyond the scope, but entirely possible.

[BobCat]

I hope that you used lead-free solder. You should warn people against using leaded solder in the instructable, too.

[tkjtkj]

good point , but i think people ought to know that under federal law, 'leadless solder' can contain up to 5% lead !!!

and never drink tap water out of the hot side: the lead laws are only of recent vintage, like the 1990's .. and hot water + old lead in older pipes means the water will dissolve some ..not good!

Always (still!) wise to run the cold water faucet a while, in the mornings!

[RedneckEngineer]

Are you rounding the edges any on the inside? Just wondering if you had any issues with it rubbing or cutting the finger when it's worn. Another great looking ring sir!

[Mrballeng]

Yes, while the ring is on the sand paper wrapped drill bit I remove any sharp edges. But since the coat hanger was round to begin with the edges aren't very pronounced anyway.

[scoochmaroo]

Awesome! I think the second or third picture in the Intro step would make for a more striking main image.

[Mrballeng]

Done. Thank you.