Skeleton Key

Clever saying when given as a gift not included.

Needed:
1 Coat Hanger
1 Paper Clip
1 Crystal
Solder
Flux
Heat Source

Keep in mind solder is a bonding material and not so much a filling material. So it can tricky to work with. Also, solder is softer the steel so it will file off faster.

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

[Spitfire690]

My solder doesn't want to stick. I'm using the same solder as you, and flux, but it just beads, no matter what temperature...

[bben46]

Most common beginner mistake is heating the solder and not the metal. For best results, heat the metal until the metal is hot enough to melt the solder. then apply the flux first immediately followed by the solder.

There are several kinds of solder and several kinds of flux. For jewelry the best solder is called silver solder. It melts at a higher temperature and is harder than electronic or plumbing solder when it solidifies. You will need to find the proper flux type for silver solder.

The purpose of flux is to clean the metal of any surface impurities and allow the heat to spread evenly - and it should sizzle and evaporate when you apply it to hot metal. Don't inhale the fumes.

Modern electronic solder is lead free and does not stick nearly as well as the older lead/tin electronic solder. - Silver solder is still the best for this type project

[Mrballeng]

Make sure the metal is free of any oxydation. Also keep in mind that hardened metals are difficult to solder.

[Emsaid]

I made one similar to this! except it was out of a solid piece of metal then I bent it and turned it into a bracelet, I meant to take a picture to show you but I dont have it anymore but it looks really cool

[scoochmaroo]

I love this too! Do you have a shop where you sell your jewelry? This needs to be in my collection.

[Mrballeng]

Don't have a shop but I'll let you know if I ever open for business.=)

[Penolopy Bulnick]

I second that! I love skeleton keys! And that one is beautiful!

[black hole]

You know, I saw pendants that looked like this going for $30.

[rapidkhan]

i made this and turned it into a bookmark
http://ofkeysandclockfaces.blogspot.com/

[cninjette]

could you possibly attach the rings with a jewel in the middle of them?

[victorvector]

Again, very nice indeed!

One question , if you don`t mind , about the solder ...

Is this just soft solder , or silver solder ?

What do you use as your heat source ?

Most impressive work , lovely to look at.

[Mrballeng]

It's silver solder. The kind you find in the plumbing section at any home improvement store. As a heat source I use a $15 torch, also in the plumbing section. I'm going to make another key soon. I think the sheet metal I bought will make for better materials.

[Ichmawida]

how thick is a coathanger? like the gauge or mm?

[Mrballeng]

I would guess between 1.5 to 2.5 mm. I'll measure and let you know.

[Ichmawida]

cool thanks :)

[ehudwill]

I am going to make this for my daughters. They would love it.

[taueret]

I love this! Also I think it would look even better a bit rusty. I would never have thought of using coat hanger wire. Can't wait to experiment.

[TehLonelyOne]

Amazing! I love how you make amazing little things out of incredibly common things :) So many perfect gift ideas!

[Mr.Sanchez]

Weekend ^Project...Soon the Pics....thnks.

[iPodGuy]

Please don't ever stop making instructables.

[B.F.L.M]

Amazing! this is going on my todo list

[RedneckEngineer]

Very cool! my wife is getting into jewlery makeing and has even talked about useing keys like this. Thanks you just saved me some money!