Soldering?

[P Dubya]

I always have a bit of a problem soldering... Today I needed to solder pex adapters into a washing machine valve box, the kind that mounts in the wall... Couldnt get it done. What am I doing wrong? Brand new clean fittings, 50/50 solder. I think it is 50 aluminum and 50 tin or something like that.... No lead I could solder a lot better when there was lead in it.... Thanks!

 

[koditten]

Did you wire brush the fittings and sand paper the pipe? If you are not using the MAP gas, you are really making things harder. Once you use the MAP gas (yellow bottle), you will throw out your propane bottle(blue bottle). The MAP gas heats up the parts 3x faster. You can thank me later

KO

 

[koditten]

In addition, I have had good luck by applying the flux to both parts. =100% insurance.

KO

 

[csp]

I don't see flux listed there.

Even new fittings should be sanded/wire brushed.

 

[P Dubya]

once again the garage journal comes through.... Yep, I didn't use flux. Differing opinions on flux? my Dad always use the waxy stuff and then hit it with the torch to clean and float ant contaminants away. I have seen other people swab it on and start applying solder as soon as the parts are hot enough. Whats best?

 

[RAYJAY]

you need a wire brush for copper pipe like the picture below for the female fittings, emery paper for the out side flux both sides
map gas do nor get it to hot the new solder does not work that good really hot

 

[rockwithjason]

use the flux that is recommended by the solder maker. clean both parts with brushes or emery cloth, flux both parts, assemble, heat and apply solder

 

[jimp]

use the flux that is recommended by the solder maker. clean both parts with brushes or emery cloth, flux both parts, assemble, heat and apply solder

This, plus alway heat the fitting not the pipe. I also determined when the right temperature was achieved by when a new fitting changed color (very slight).

 

[rslaback]

Also, apply the solder to the opposite side of the fitting as the torch. It ensures that the solder will melt into the joint as opposed to being melted by the torch directly and melting on the joint.

 

[APEowner]

Flux is a necessity. I've had good luck with both the paste type and the watery stuff. I have a preference for the paste type but I don't know why. Be sure to use the correct flux for the solder. I had an extremely frustrating day once when I was trying to use the new lead free solder with the older flux.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

Drain all water (white bread makes a good dam), wire brush the parts, flux them, apply the flame to where you want the solder to go, apply the solder and ensure it wicks all around the part, allow to cool a bit, and then wipe off all remaining flux as it can corrode copper over time.

 

[BigGMC]

New parts aren't "clean".
As mentioned above that 4-in-1 wire brush is perfect. Oatey makes one (probably a few others out there too). Cleans inside and outside of 1/2" and 3/4" pipe/fittings.
Used mine jsut yesterday to sweat in a tap for icemaker.

 

[Ironhorse]

I was just soldering pipe together today for my air lines...gas really not an issue..FLUX is and I just use a gob on the fitting put the fitting on heat it up rub the solder on...and all of it will flow all the way around your fitting...Good luck with it..

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