Soldering Quick Tips

$75
15 Minutes
Medium
Soldering tips can make a BIG difference.
...the difference between getting frustrated and having an easier time or
...the difference between burning down the house or NOT!!!
If you've watched my other tutorials you know I LOVE PEX.
But sometimes you'll have to solder in fittings.
So today's quick soldering tips will hopefully help make this process smarter and better.
Here are the supplies you need
Bernzomatic Map Gas ($16)
Berzomatic Trigger Start ($50)
Ridgid No. 15 Pipe Cutter ($31
)Fitting Wire Brush ($11)
Emery Cloth ($3)
Laco Flux ($14)
Flux Brush ($4)
Silvabrite 100 Lead Free Solder ($34)
1/2″ Copper Pipe ($10)
1/2″ 90 Degree Elbows ($10 for Bag of 10)
Heat Shield ($15)
Safety Glasses ($5)
Fire Extinguisher ($30)...yes, it's not a bad idea to have this...just in case
Soldering Quick Tips
Choose Your Gas
Choose your gas.


MAPP gas burns hotter than propane.


I've tried both types of gas and prefer MAPP but maybe you disagree. Let me know in the comments.


That said, if you want to spend less time heating up the pipes and exposing the surroundings to a flame, MAPP is the way to go.


Btw, it’s called MAPP but MAP-Pro is on the canister below.
Get a Trigger Starter
Get a trigger starter.


Bernzomatic makes a great trigger starter for MAP-Pro canisters.


I’d recommend getting one of these because it makes soldering easier and safer.


The flame is easily controlled by simply pressing or depressing the starter button.


And no, this tutorial isn't sponsored by Berzomatic, I just liked their trigger starter.


How should you prep copper pipe BEFORE soldering?
Get a Copper Pipe Cutter
Get a copper pipe cutter


This is the Ridgid No. 15.


Both the Ridgid No. 15 or AutoCut tool are great for cutting copper.


The only downside to the AutoCut tool is that it doesn't have a deburring tool like the Ridgid No. 15.


The downside the the No. 15 is that it's big and doesn't fit in small spaces.
Debur the Copper
After cutting your copper you need to debur the inside of the pipe.


This removes copper shards leftover from the cutting.
Clean Pipe
Clean the inside and outside of the pipe with a wire brush.
Or use emery cloth.
Apply a thin layer of flux to the outside of the pipe.
Apply a thin layer of flux to the inside of the fitting.


You don’t need a ton of flux, just enough to cover the surface of the pipe and fitting.


Inspect the pipe and fitting to make sure none of the brush hairs are on them.


A single brush hair can ruin your soldering job…darn hairs!!! How do you approach the actual soldering?
Soldering isn’t hard…after you practice.


My biggest recommendation is to practice somewhere safe before trying to solder inside a wall or ceiling.


Buy 10 fittings and some copper pipe. Setup a little practice station outside and have at it.


That way, you’ll get familiar with your torch and won’t risk burning down the house on the first try.


I like to heat up the pipe for a few seconds then apply heat behind the fitting.


That way, the solder will be drawn into the fitting/pipe connection.


Check out my video for the quick tips.


Now your turn.


What do you think


Are you more comfortable with the idea of soldering after this tutorial?


Let me know down in the comments.


Also, if you have a preference in terms of solder, flux or torch share that in the comments as well.


I believe that having the right tools make a BIG difference.


If you’ve found a soldering setup that works for you share it below.


Make it a great day,


Jeff
Frequently asked questions
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Comments
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3 of 12 comments
  • Eric Gortzig Eric Gortzig on Jul 24, 2016
    When adding pipe to an existing used water pipe and you have drained the water out of the line, it is a good idea to push some bread down the existing pipe before soldering. You might have residual water that might come up and mess up your soldering joint. The brain gives you an added barrier so you can get the job done. Don't worry the bread will decompose through the water and it will not affect your pipes.
  • SLCBrenk SLCBrenk on Aug 11, 2016
    I had a plumber tell me MAPP burns hotter when he came to fix my "fail".
    • Pallet Man Pallet Man on Aug 13, 2016
      A skilled plumber will not have to worry about over-heating the copper. But, a novice can do just as well with propane and save money doing it.
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