We have cast a hook into our new pewter cloak clasp. Several of our goods have copper alloy or ferrous wire/rod cast into the pewter pieces.
The new cloak clasp is copied after an original clasp from Rotterdam, the iron hook of which has partially rusted away. To replicate this object, we cut 16 ga. mild steel rod to length.
We sharpen both ends of the pins. To tin them, we brush an acidic commercial liquid soldering flux over the parts of the rods that will be exposed, then dip each end in a pot of molten tin.
We wipe the excess tin off. When all the pins are prepared, we put each one into the mold for the cloak hook. Closing the mold keeps the pin the the correct place and we fill the mold with molten pewter.
The pewter encloses the pin and holds it firmly. We cut off the sprues.
We use a wire looping (concave and round nose) pliers to bend the hooks into place.
Read more about this strong, decorative cloak hook. on the product page.