Why is my plumbing solder not sticking?

Why is my plumbing solder not sticking?

Most likely you don’t have the base metal hot enough for the solder to wet it. Make sure the pipe is empty, and try waiting a bit longer before applying the solder. The base metal should be hot enough to melt the solder directly.

How do you get solder to flow up?

If the coupling/pipe is hot enough for the solder to melt, capillary action will suck the solder up between the coupling and pipe. Apply solder all around the bottom seam. Solder around the coupling’s higher seam in the same way. Use a rag to carefully wipe away all solder drips and flux from the joint.

Why is solder rolling off?

When the copper is hot enough, the solder will melt like butter. If the solder beads up and rolls off rather than flowing into the joint, you’ve probably burned the flux or the copper isn’t clean enough. You’ll have to take the joint apart to clean and reflux it before trying again.

What are the 6 steps of soldering?

How to Solder Perfectly!

1. Step 1: What You’ll Need. A 20-40 Watt Soldering iron or a Mini Soldering Station.
2. Step 2: Tinning. Before Soldering you should always Tin the tip of your Solder bit.
3. Step 3: Soldering Wires.
4. Step 4: Soldering on PCB’s.
5. Step 5: Cleaning the Flux.
6. Step 6: Soldering Tips!

Why will my solder not flow?

Heat is the number one reason that solder flows. Without it, you’ll unsuccessfully try to solder a piece for a very long time. Heat is a tricky thing to figure out, especially if you’re just starting out. If it’s still not working, consider a charcoal block which reflects heat, making it easier to solder.

What causes solder to ball up?

Solder balling can be caused by poor process conditions with gassing from the flux during wave contact or excessive turbulence as the solder flows back into the bath which causes spitting. Solder balls can be ejected from the joint area during soldering due to excessive outgassing of the PCB.

How do you cool a pipe after soldering?

As the solder starts to melt, move it all the way around the joint. When solder pools outside the joint, the joint is stable. Turn off the heat and allow the pipe to cool. Clean away excess flux with a damp rag as it can corrode the pipe and later cause pinhole leaks to form.

What does solder do you use on copper tubing for plumbing?

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 solder do you use for copper pipe?

The propane torch is the primary tool used to solder copper fittings (soldering copper pipe is also referred to as “sweating copper pipe”). Shown here is a typical torch that has just been lit with the pictured flint torch lighter (using this type of inexpensive lighter is safer and easier than using a match or butane lighter).

What solder to use?

Use a soldering iron with the appropriate heat control. For soldering electrical components into printed circuit boards, the best soldering irons are Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) safe, temperature-controlled, high-power irons. These will let you solder for hours, and are good for complex amateur radio projects.

How do you solder pipe?

Apply the solder to the joint. After briefly allowing the joint to heat, hold the tip of your solder against the point where the pipe meets the joint. Always hold the solder on the opposite side of the pipe as your flame; this will ensure that you are applying solder to the coldest part of the joint.