Adding Hooks to Stained Glass

Making Jump Rings And Adding Hooks to Stained Glass

These stained glass instructions show you how to make and solder hooks on to a zinc frame. It uses a simple, nearly invisible method of adding hooks to stained glass to allow hanging that shows off your beautiful stained glass in the best possible light.

The rings in this stained glass tutorial are made from recycled copper wire stripped from electrical wiring. Alternatively – and this is my favourite option – you can use spools of pre-tinned copper wire (try gauge 14 or 16 if you have a smaller item to hang) which is easier than stripping and tinning your own, cheaper than buying ready-made rings AND more flexible with regards to size!) or you can buy ready made pre-tinned rings (the easiest but most expensive option).

What You Need

• 60/40 Solder
• Flux
• Soldering Iron and Soldering Iron Stand
• Wet sponge for cleaning tip
• Q-tips or cheap brush to apply the flux
• Copper wire (either bought or recycled)
• Needle nose pliers
• Wire cutters

Adding Hooks To Stained Glass

1. Making the Hooks

These discreet hooks are going to follow the 45 degree angle at the corner of your panel instead of the more usual circular hoops.

Use of round nosed pliers (small ones available at craft shops and larger ones, size of the typical needle nose pliers, available at some tool stores) can ensure crinkle-free and nick-free bends in homemade hanging loops.

• Cut off a length of copper wire with wire cutters
• Using the pliers, bend it into a U-shape
• Measure the length needed by putting it over the top corner of your panel
• Cut off the excess

2. Instruction for Tinning Hooks

This both strengthens the wire and stops the copper from corroding. You don’t need to do this if you’ve bought pre-tinned rings or wire.

• Flux each hook
• Add stained glass solder to your iron tip
• Holding the hook with the pliers, cover it on both sides with a thin coating of solder

3. Attaching the Rings

• Balance or hold the hook over the top corner at a 45 degree angle
• Melt a bit of solder on top

• Hold the iron over it for a couple of seconds to smooth it out
• Turn over and do the same to the other side
• Hold the panel vertically and neaten up the area carefully with a corner of the iron tip
• Repeat the steps above for the opposite corner

That’s it! I’d recommend attaching 2 separate pieces of wire to hang your precious panel so that if one should break (yikes!) the other one will prevent it from falling (phew!)

Now you’re ready for the final step – making your panel gleam and shine. Go to the patina and polishing instruction to finish off your panel.

http://everythingstainedglass.com/stained-glass-instructionhttp://everythingstainedglass.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/stained-glass-instruction-3.jpghttp://everythingstainedglass.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/stained-glass-instruction-3-150x150.jpg2018-06-29T09:50:04+00:00Milly FrancesCopper Foil ConstructionStained Glass TutorialsBeginner,Cornerstone,Framing and Hanging,Soldering Copper FoilMaking Jump Rings And Adding Hooks to Stained Glass These stained glass instructions show you how to make and solder hooks on to a zinc frame. It uses a simple, nearly invisible method of adding hooks to stained glass to allow hanging that shows off your beautiful stained glass in the best...Milly FrancesMilly Francesmillyfrances@gmail.comAdministratorEverything Stained Glass