One important factor, is to clean the rod, and apply a flux paste. otherwise, teh solder jsut won't bite onto the rod.

I usually sand / polish the area inteded with a fine grit paper, like 300 - 600, so the metal rod has a sheen to it. then I coat it (stick teh rod end into) with flux. The flux is regular plumber's flux, for copepr pipes, should be avaliable in any 'home improvement' store

slip on the clevis, twirl it a bit, to ensure there's flux everywhere!! then I heat them up with the pyro pen / mini torch. Once the flux bubbles and crackles, remove the heat, and feed in the solder. It should wick in nicely. maybe a little more heat, but you'll get the hang of it after a while!

remember to clean the solder joint afterwards, as the flux is considered corrosive (it is an acid afterall!!). Use a bit of Acetone on a cloth or tooth brush., and it' should shine!

From what I've read, silver solder is stronger than regular 'electrical solder, but so far, I have had no probs with regular 63/37 solder on my links.