How to Solder Tin Cans

Recycle tin cans to create wonderful new art pieces.

Cut, bend, and solder your tin soup cans and reuse them to create jewelry, flower pots, lanterns or many other crafts. Soldering tin requires the high temperatures generated by a propane torch rather than the soldering iron commonly used for electrical work. Practice with some scrap tin before starting on the final project. Learn to make a thin, sturdy seam, using a minimal amount of wire solder.

Things You'll Need

• Propane torch
• Wire solder
• Flux
• Steel wool

Instructions

1. Clean each piece of tin at the joint areas using steel wool. Rub the areas until they both shine.

2. Brush flux on both pieces at the joint area.

3. Lay the pieces in the finished position.

4. Light the propane torch and apply heat to the metal around the seam for a few seconds.

5. Remove the torch, then touch the solder wire to the joint. It should melt and flow to the fluxed area. If the solder does not melt immediately, apply more heat to the metal. Do not melt the solder directly with the torch.

6. Allow the metal to cool once the joint is soldered.

Tips & Warnings

• If the solder does not flow easily, the tin is either not hot enough or not clean enough.

References

• Missouri Department of Conservation: Metalworking
• Popular Science, May 1936, page 57: Craft Work with Tin Cans