# Solder pallion: what it is and how to use it

> A pallion is a small chip of solder placed on the joint before heating. What it is, how to cut it, how much to use and the most common mistakes.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/solder-pallion/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-30
- Updated: 2026-10-06
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/paillon-soldadura/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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A **pallion** (Spanish *paillón*; also called a *solder chip*) is a small piece of solder, cut from sheet or wire, that is placed on the joint before heating with the torch.

## What it is for

It lets you control exactly **where** the solder goes and **how much** enters the joint. With the joint clean and covered with [flux](https://www.711grados.com/en/flux-for-soldering/), the pallion melts, flows by [capillary action](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-soldering/) and fills the seam.

## How to use it

1. Cut pieces about 1–2 mm on a side from solder sheet with snips or shears. You can cut many at once and keep them in a small container.
2. Apply flux to the joint and to the pallions.
3. Place the pallions with a damp brush or tweezers, **touching the joint** and not away from it.
4. Heat the **piece** first, not the solder: solder flows toward the heat.
5. When the solder turns bright and silvery and runs along the seam, remove the flame.

## Pallion, wire or paste

- **Pallion:** the most precise; ideal for small joints and several solderings in a row.
- **Wire:** handy for snipping as you go on long joints.
- **Solder paste:** powdered solder mixed with flux; applied with a syringe and useful on awkward joints.

## Common mistakes

- **Too much solder:** leaves a ridge that has to be filed away.
- **Pallion away from the joint:** it melts into a ball and does not flow.
- **No flux or a dirty joint:** the solder balls up.
- **Heating the pallion instead of the piece.**
- **Using the same hardness for successive solderings:** work from [hard to medium to easy](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-solders-hard-medium-and-easy/).

## Related

[Soldering glossary](https://www.711grados.com/en/soldering-glossary/) · [Torches](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-torches/) · [Pickle](https://www.711grados.com/en/pickling-metal/) · [Workshop safety](https://www.711grados.com/en/workshop-safety/)