How strong is lead-free solder?

A: Lead-free solder has a higher melting point, which makes it harder to work with – it’s 217C for lead-free compared to 183C for lead alloys. This also impacts on thermal bounce – the speed at which the iron regains working temperature.

Which solder is best for joining copper tubing?

Buy lead-free solder that’s designed for copper water pipes; you’ll find it in the plumbing section of the store. Solder with lead is still available, but the lead can leach into your water supply, so don’t use it.

Does silver bearing solder contain lead?

Bridgit caps like no other lead-free solder, and its wide plastic range of 170°F allows the operator to fill both tight and loose, nonconcentric connections with ease. The strength of a Bridgit joint far exceeds the burst pressure of copper tubing. Meets ASTM B32.

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.

Which gas is best for copper soldering?

MAPP gas
Use MAPP gas to speed up the job MAPP gas torches burn hotter than propane, making them a better choice for modern solder. Five to 10 seconds of heating with a MAPP gas torch is all that’s required before you can feed solder into most 1/2- to 3/4-in.

Is Stay Brite lead free?

Joints soldered with Stay Brite solders exhibit considerably higher than necessary elongation for sound, dissimilar metal joints and vibration applications. Soldering Properties: Stay Brite 8 is a lead free solder engineered to provide a strong, ductile connection on copper, brass, steel, and stainless steel.

Do you have to braze with nitrogen?

Most HVAC installation instructions require flowing nitrogen through the copper tube during brazing. This is an important step in producing a quality HVAC system.