Using Wax from Braces

by Judy Larson
The perfect tools to solve problems can come in unusual forms and from some pretty unusual places.
Instructions
Before soldering bezels in place, I always double-check that the number of shims used to raise a stone or coin is just right.

This time, I miscalculated by one shim for a thin coin.

Instead of using 9, I should have used only 8.

The bezel was tight, and the coin wouldn't budge.

So I started rummaging through my tiny tool drawer, looking for something anything that could remove the coin without damaging the bezel too much.
Thank heavens I came across this dental wax stick a friend gave me several years back, the kind her son used when he had braces.

The strip was sticky enough to pull the coin out of the bezel so one shim could be removed and the coin could be secured in the setting.
Judy Larson's Using Wax from Braces - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, braces wax
Judy Larson's Using Wax from Braces - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, strip was sticky enough to pull the coin

Materials

28 Gauge 3/16" Fine Silver Bezel Wire
H9-28BZL
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $22.17
  • Gold Club Price: $16.63
Add to Bag
Sterling Silver Sheet - variety of gauges
Shop Now
Variety of Cabochons
Shop Now
Fun Tack
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Braces wax stick
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

Basic Soldering Kit
G15-4
  • G15-4
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $58.95
  • Gold Club Price: $44.21
Add to Bag
Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
DAP-500.30
  • DAP-500.30
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $29.95
  • Gold Club Price: $22.46
Add to Bag
12x12 Inch Rubber Mat
MAT-500.00
  • MAT-500.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
Add to Bag
Optional Tools
WireJewelry Pro-Series Single Barrel Tumbler, Jewelry and Metal Polishing Kit, Includes 1 Pound of Jewelers Mix Shot and 8 Ounces of Shinebrite Burnishing Compound
G25-1-KITSS
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $173.27
  • Gold Club Price: $129.95
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: Tools
  • Technique(s): Tools