For some of you, the answer is yes! Here’s why:
Third hands (or arms) are made of steel which has a much higher melting point than the jewelry metals, silver, gold, brass, and copper. That’s a good thing or it wouldn’t be helpful in holding elements while we solder. However, third hands act as a heat sink meaning they can draw a lot of heat away from your piece and into themselves. Often, when solder refuses to flow properly it is because of the third arm drawing away too much heat from your soldering seam. You can use this feature to your advantage –for example, you can protect a previously soldered seam from reflow by clamping the third arm over it – but you need to know how to position the third arm properly when you do need your solder to flow unimpeded. The key concept is to position the third hand as far away as possible from your soldering seam. Here are a few examples:
RIGHT
WRONG
RIGHT
WRONG
That’s all there is to it! So, be mindful of where you place your third hand and it will never again ruin your solder flow.
To learn more about how to always solder successfully, please take a look at my book Soldering Demystified.
You can also join me this August for Soldering Demystified Boot Camp.
Happy Soldering!
jeanettecaines
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad you enjoyed it!
Simply brilliant. Thank you!!
This is really a great helpful post! Thank you for posting.
Yes, it is very important to do things in a professional way and with proper method as you also specified in your blog. It is also true that many non-professionals positions the third hand in a wrong way as shown in figure.
So, thanks for this informative post. Looking for more useful blog related to soldering. Keep it up!!!
The pics definitely help here. Thank you for sharing. Learn something today.
Wow, that was a simple and effective way of showing what wrong we are doing and how small changes can make a difference in our overall quality of soldering some stuff.
Thanks so much !
Wonderful advice and a wonderful book. It’s a treasure of how to solder simple and complex pieces.
The pics are very helpful! Thanks for posting.
No matter how many years of being a maker. It’s always good to see proper method.
Sometimes fall into bad habits.
All the best
Brian
Thanks, Kat! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Jeanette
Jeannette’s book is a treaure of information on soldering. I love it. Its been a really big help in understanding the process of soldering. Recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their skills.
Hi Brenda
The main reason soldering is so intimidating is there is a lack of understanding of how the process actually works.I’ve seen this for years with my students, which is what led me to write my book.I detail (with lots of close up pictures)exactly what makes your solder flow and what prevents it from flowing. You will learn everything you need to know to succeed at soldering, and nothing breeds confidence like success.You won’t be disappointed.
Happy Soldering!
thx for the advice. I am so intimidated by soldering. Can your book help with my fears?
I hope it is helpful!
Jeanette
This is something I had not considered! Thank you for the direction & information.