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Technical HelpWhat are end feed fittings? These are fittings that need solder added to them to make a joint. What are solder ring fittings? These are fittings that have solder built in to them to make a joint. What do I need to solder a joint? Pipe, the joint, flux paste and brush, steel wool, blowtorch, solder (for end feed). Pipe: the two commonest sizes are 15mm and 22mm. We do not sell it because of the risk of transit damage. Joints: we currently sell 15mm and 22mm which, for the majority of tasks should be all you will need. Flux Paste: this is used to remove and prevent tarnish during the soldering process. This is essential or the solder will not bond with the copper metal. There are various products available - we use a self cleaning type. Brush: used for painting the flux onto the metal. It is not essential but is less messy than fingers and possibly less harmful! Flux brushes can usually be bought where you buy the paste. Steel Wool: usually bought in a wrapped roll or alternatively, pads. Blowtorch: for soldering copper joints (not brazing) a propane or butane/propane mixture is usual. A hand held gas bottle and nozzle can be bought as a kit. Solder: needed for end feed fittings. This comes in reels, typical weight 500 gm, and can be either lead based or lead free( for drinking water pipework). How to solder joints to pipework? 1. Cleaning the pipe and fitting. Opinions vary, but we lightly clean the outside surface of the pipe a sufficient distance so that it is bright (free of tarnish) underneath the fitting. The inside of the fitting should already be bright if recently bought. Avoid roughening the surfaces (e.g. with a wire brush) or the fitting may not slide onto the pipe easily. 2. Applying flux paste. Some manufacturers advise painting only one surface. To avoid leaks we paint both surfaces carefully as the solder will not adhere to a tarnished surface and his usually leads to leaks. A small amount of paste is sufficient. 3. Blowlamping. Take fire precautions and don't work in a confined space. With the right mixture of gas (see above) you should achieve the correct temperature. For end feed fittings heat the joint and touch the solder wire end on the joint until it begins to melt. The solder should be melted by the joint , not by the flame. When hot enough the solder should run into the joint freely. When you judge that enough has run in to fill the gap, stop and let the joint cool without movement. For solder ring fittings, hest the joint until you see the solder ring appear at the end of the joint. Stop and let the joint cool without movement. |