Things You'll Need:
- Damp rag
- Propane torch
- Wicking braid
- Flux remover
- Fine-gauge steel wool
- Soft scrub brush or toothbrush
-
Step 1
Use a damp rag to flick away excess solder when sweating, or joining, copper pipes. Work quickly while the solder is still heated and soft.
-
Step 2
Reheat excess solder briefly with your propane torch to remove it if you've allowed the joint to harden. Smooth away extra solder with a damp rag to get a neatly finished join.
-
Step 3
Take extra care when removing old solder from an electrical circuit. To keep from damaging the wiring by applying direct heat, use wicking braid. Choose braid with a width comparable to the size of the old solder bead. Lay the wicking braid on the bead, and briefly touch the tip of your soldering tool to the wicking braid, without applying pressure. The heated braid will wick up and remove the old solder.
-
Step 4
Clean up extra flux, the preparation medium used in making some soldering joints, after removing old solder or making a new electrical connection. Use a spray-on solvent known as a flux remover.
-
Step 5
Remove extra solder (leading) from stained glass projects by gently rubbing with fine-gauge steel wool. Use a liquid flux solvent and a little warm water, applied with a soft scrubbing brush or toothbrush, to clean up any residue.
