Hi all,

What type of flux is recommended for soldering copper pipes? I learned to solder quite a while ago and have since then piped a residential kitchen, and an entire commercial kitchen at a local take-out food store (two double sinks, two custom-made over-the-stove ½" pot fillers, and several hose bibs for various appliance like steamers, etc.) However, all this was done using a bucket of flux that my friend gave me. When I went to buy flux the other day in Lowe's, I saw a bunch of different types: "tinning flux", "soldering flux", just plain "flux", "water-soluble flux", "flux paste", "flux compound" etc. plus the various fluxes were different colors - some were greenish, some were brownish, and some were white - and various consistencies - the greenish/brownish ones were thick, while the white ones were more watery.

So my question is, what exactly am I looking for? I realize that obviously there aren't so many different types - probably just a case of different manufactures using different terms to describe the same kind of flux. So how many types are there really out there? And which one am I looking for? Lowe's had Dutch Bay, Sterling, and Bernz-o-matic, and perhaps a few others - which one is good? I'm particularly interested in the Sterling brand, since in addition to the 1 or two ounce bucket that costs around $2-$3, there was also a "value pack" type of bucket - 16 ounces for about $8. Is it worth it?

Confusedly yours,
Moishe

Hey Moshie,
" I'm particularly interested in the Sterling brand, since in addition to the 1 or two ounce bucket that costs around $2-$3, there was also a "value pack" type of bucket - 16 ounces for about $8. Is it worth it?"

How many high raise condo buildings do you plan to water pipe with your pound of flux? We just paint the shined surfaces lightly with flux before we solder. A little bit goes a long-long ways. Any acid based flux will do. Our shop has always used NoKorode Solder Paste. Just purchase a small can because you're probably going to have it for years. Cheers, Tom

Thanks, Tom. I usually apply the flux rather liberally, but I guess I'll try using less from now on.

Which kind is better though, the watery white kind, or the thicker green/brown kind?

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Originally Posted by PalmMP3

Thanks, Tom. I usually apply the flux rather liberally, but I guess I'll try using less from now on.

Which kind is better though, the watery white kind, or the thicker green/brown kind?

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We use the thick brownish kind. If you use too much flux it will melt down on the copper and corode it if you don't clean it off. Don't forget to pick up a few solder breshes.
Cheers, Tom