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You can find all the basic soldering copper pipe equipment at full-service hardware stores or home centers—a propane torch, solder, emery cloth (Photo 3) and flux. We also recommend a tube cutter, flame protector cloth (see opening photo) and heavy gloves and eye protection.
Do you need flux to solder copper pipe?
Strong metals such as brass and copper will require a synthetic acid flux in order to be soldered. This will remove not only oxidation but also corrosion and other residues that build up on these metals.
What is the substance you use to put on copper pipe before you solder?
Before you assemble the joints prior to soldering, coat both halves of each joint with flux, a Vaseline-like substance that helps the solder flow and bond to the copper piping. Now assemble the joint, put on your safety glasses and light a hand-held propane torch.
What is best solder for copper pipes?
What Type of Solder is Used for Copper Pipe? Lead free solder is best for copper pipes carrying drinking water. It will be free of elements you don’t want entering your drinking water. However it will require a higher melting point than a 50/50 solder.
What kind of torch do you use to solder copper pipe?
The torch needed for soldering copper can be propane or MAPP gas (methylacetylene-propadiene propane). MAPP gas comes in a yellow tank and propane comes in a blue tank. MAPP gas, usually a bit more expensive, gets much hotter than propane, so heats the pipe faster.
Can you use electrical solder for copper pipe?
Electrical solder is often a softer alloy, so it won’t withstand pressure as well. Definitely flux the pipe fittings as you normally would. You won’t get good coverage with the flux in the solder.
Can you braze copper with a propane torch?
Brazing permanently joins two metals using a torch. You can use a propane torch to braze most metals you want to join. Propane torches are widely available in your local hardware stores, plumbing supply houses as well as at metalsmith and jewelry supply companies.
Can you solder old copper pipe?
After you pull off the old, wipe the to be reused tubing when hot with a cloth of cotton to clear old solder. Then use sand clothe to make it bright. copper works because, when clean[ it does shine just right]. You may have only failed as old lead joints work at heat low and slow.
Can you overheat copper pipe when soldering?
Overheating is a major problem when brazing or soldering copper pipe because the flux will burn (become oxidized), stop working, and become a barrier to tinning. In addition, a heavy oxide can be formed on the pipe itself, preventing a bond from forming between the filler metal and the pipe surface.
Why does my solder not stick to copper pipe?
If the solder is beading up or running down the pipe, you have a dirty fitting. Just as Vic says use clean fine grit sandpaper or emery cloth. Clean both surfaces, spread flux as soon as you clean them. Also clean and flux joint after you fit them together.
Can I solder with a propane torch?
Swab a little flux around the end of the tubing and inside the ends of the elbows and then push the joint together. I used a common everyday, readily available propane torch to solder the copper tubing together. You can get a cylinder of propane and the torch at any big box home improvement or hardware store.
Why do plumbers use torch?
Plumbers use blowtorches to solder and fix copper pipes. The word “solder” (pronounced “sodder,” with a silent L) refers both to the process of joining the pipes and to the substance used in the process. To solder, a plumber heats the pipes and then applies solder material, which softens in the heat.
What kind of torch Do plumbers use?
Propane torches are the most common type and are used by professionals and DIY homeowners alike. These torches are inexpensive and easy to use Professional plumbers often upgrade the torch assembly to a higher quality torch head with interchangeable tips, and a regulator to control the gas pressure.
What type of flux is required to be used for soldering copper?
135 is a rosin/petrolatum soldering flux paste ideal for use with copper. The petrolatum helps protect the solder joint against attack, and the rosin leaves a protective coating over the solder area after soldering. No. 135 is ideal for soldering electronic or electrical components.
Is rosin core solder good for plumbing?
Typically, electrical solder contains rosin core flux; plumbing solder uses an acid-based flux. So it’s not a good idea to use plumbing solder for electrical connections because the acid in the flux can damage the wiring and lead to connection failure.
Do you need flux with rosin core solder?
You want onlyRosin Core Solder for soldering electronics. The rosin acts as flux (A substance that helps prevent oxidation and promotes bonding). Flux is essential, but the wrong kind of flux will destroy your project.
What flux melts copper?
MELTING FLUXES FOR COPPPER AND COPPER ALLOYS PRODUCT PURPOSE BRONCOVER12 pure copper and nickel alloy melting flux CUPIKUP 11 melting of copper alloy and nickel alloy turning CUPIKUP 88 BRASS MELTING SLAG REMOVAL CUGAS 5B degassing agent for copper. copper alloy. and nickel alloy.
Do you use flux when brazing copper?
A fluxing agent (or a controlled atmosphere as found in furnace brazing) is required for all brazing and soldering applications. However, in copper to copper applications, the phosphorus in BCuP alloys acts as the fluxing agent.
What gas is used for brazing copper?
Braze-A-Gas consists of oxygen and acetylene that, when combined, are the engineer’s best choice for brazing copper tubes together in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. These products produce a flame temperature of about 3 500°C, which is significantly hotter than propane, propylene, or MAPP gas.
Is MAPP gas hot enough to braze?
Is Mapp gas hot enough to braze? Genuine MAPP gas can be used in combination with oxygen for heating, soldering, brazing and even welding because of its high flame temperature of 2925 °C (5300 °F) in oxygen. Hard soldering (silver soldering) requires temperatures of about 1200 to 1400 degrees F.
