Table of Contents
Can you solder without a torch?
Touch the cold flat head screwdriver to the liquid solder, and quickly remove it. This process can be repeated to remove any remaining amount of solder. Do not use the cold screwdriver to “pick” or “chip” at the solder if it cools too rapidly, especially if you are working with an electronic circuit.
Can I solder copper pipe without flux?
You “can” solder copper without flux, without scraping (sanding or filing) clean the two surfaces, and without ensuring there is a close even fit between the two surfaces for the molten solder to wick into and provide a quality joint.
Can I use SharkBite on copper?
SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications.
How do you remove solder from a copper pipe without a torch?
Heat the pipe gradually to the melting point of the solder and wipe the solder off with a rag. Then use either a wire brush or sand cloth to remove whatever solder is left.
Can you solder copper pipe with a heat gun?
As well as all kinds of other DIY jobs, a heat gun is very handy for soldering copper pipes. It’s most suitable for working with soft solder with a melting point below 400°C. Before soldering, you need to thoroughly clean and carefully assemble your workpiece, but you can easily do it yourself.
Can you solder copper pipe with a soldering iron?
Sure — if the iron is large enough to heat the piece of copper to the proper temperature (copper is an excellent conductor of heat, so it may take a larger heat source than a soldering iron), and you have good solder with the proper flux, and some skill.
Can you solder copper pipe with a butane torch?
A butane torch creates a flame that can reach a maximum temperature of about 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. These high temperatures—coupled with butane’s long flames, which can reach up to 6 inches long—make these torches capable of melting and soldering metals like copper and silver.
Can I solder without flux?
Good solder joints simply do not result from working without flux. At low heat the solder might not melt fast enough, and a cold solder joint may result. At high heat the soldering tip may oxidize and that will make soldering almost, if not downright impossible!.
Can you use Vaseline as flux?
Can You Use Vaseline as Flux? Yes, Vaseline works just as well as commercial flux, and you can even buy a generic brand. Petroleum jelly is primarily made from waxes and mineral oils so that it won’t corrode your components. Plus, it cleans away the gunk and eliminates metal oxides that could compromise your bond.
Can you use electrical solder for copper pipe?
Electrical solder is generally hollow, with a core made of a flux intended to solder copper wires. This flux is not made for copper water pipes. You will want to use a separate paste flux especially made for sweating copper water pipe (and a small brush to apply it). Some electrical solders contain an amount of lead.
Why do plumbers not like shark bites?
Soldering has been around much longer than push-fit fittings. Another possible disadvantage to using SharkBite fittings is that many plumbers feel that these fittings simply aren’t strong enough to create a tough, durable connection.
Why you shouldn’t use SharkBite fittings?
A SharkBite fitting contains a rubber O-ring, which is not best for permanent connections. We don’t recommend using a SharkBite fitting outside because sunlight can dry out the rubber O-ring and cause it to crack or split.
Should I sand copper pipe before SharkBite?
Do not sand the copper pipe – while it’s the easiest way to smooth out the edge of the pipe, this practice should be avoided whenever possible since it disrupts the otherwise even pipe surface and may compromise the seal.
Can you solder pipes with water in them?
Don’t try to solder pipes with water in them. Soldering a joint in pipes that contain even tiny amounts of water is nearly impossible. Most of the heat from the torch goes into turning the water to steam, so the copper won’t get hot enough to melt the solder.
Is it hard to solder copper pipe?
Soldering copper water supply lines is not a difficult skill. Even a rookie can learn to solder leak-proof joints in 30 minutes. The process is simple—if you follow a few basic guidelines.
Can you solder chrome copper pipe?
SJP, you can solder chrome plated copper as long as you file the chrome off first. Make sure you file enough chrome so that the full “slip” of the fitting is chrome free.
Can you solder pipes with a soldering iron?
Electrical solders have a lower melting point (around 360˚F), while solders used in plumbing have higher melting points, usually well over 400˚F. This is why electrical soldering can be done using a soldering iron while most plumbing soldering uses a gas torch to heat up the metals.
What temperature do you need to solder copper pipes?
In actual practice for copper systems, most soldering is done at temperatures from about 350°F to 600°F, while most brazing is done at temperatures ranging from 1100°F to 1500°F.
