How to Solder with a Torch

Soldering copper pipes to brass, bronze or copper fittings requires more heat than you can generate with a soldering iron. A torch is necessary. The easiest and safest type to use is the propane torch. The strength of the joint is derived by the fact that the parts fit tightly together. The solder only serves to seal them and make the joint waterproof. With a torch, you can make the solder flow to seal the entire inside of the joint and to prevent it from sliding apart.

Things You'll Need

• Fine steel wool
• Rosin soldering paste
• Soldering brush
• Sparker torch ignitor
• Spool of wire solder

Instructions

1. Clean the inside of the fitting and a 1-inch long area of the pipe to be joined to it with steel wool. Both areas must be polished completely clean. Do not touch these areas with your fingers.

2. Coat the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe with soldering paste using a soldering brush.

3. Fit the joint together.

4. Light the torch with the "sparker" and heat the entire joint by playing the flame on the fitting, not on the pipe.

5. Push the end of the solder wire into the edge of the fitting when the joint is sufficiently hot. It will melt from the heat of the parts being joined, not from the torch flame. The solder will be pulled into the joint by capillary action. When you can see solder all around the joint, stop adding solder, remove the torch and let the joint cool.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not wet the joint to make it cool faster.