Latest Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between water soluble and non-soluble (petroleum base) flux?
The water soluble flux is less corrosive, and self-cleans on the interior of the pipe as water flows through the lines. The water soluble flux has a narrower temperature range when heating, but it works with all the solders.
What type of solder and flux should I use to solder stainless steel?
None. Oatey does not manufacture a solder or flux for this application.
What type of solder and flux should I use with food grade processes?
None. Oatey does not manufacture a solder or flux for this application.
What type of solder and flux should I use to solder heat ducts?
Oatey 95/5 Lead Free Acid Core Wire Solder, or Oatey Acid Core Wire Solder.
What type of solder and flux should I use to solder electronics?
Oatey 95/5 Lead free Rosin Core Wire Solder, or Oatey Rosin Core Wire Solder.
How long can you leave flux on the pipe before soldering the joints?
It is important that you never flux a pipe that will not be soldered within a 4 hour period of time. Flux is an acid and will have an etching affect if left on the pipe to long without heat and solder being applied.
What are the melting ranges for Oatey Solders?
Silver / Safe-Flo Lead Free – (420°F to 460°F)
95/5 – (450°F to 464°F)
95/5 Acid & Rosin Core – (450°F to 464°F)
50/50 – (361°F to 421°F)
40/60 – (361°F to 460°F)
Acid Core 50/50 – (361°F to 421°F)
Acid Core 40/60 – (361°F to 460°F)
Rosin Core 60/40 – (361°F to 375°F)
Rosin Core 40/60 – (361°F to 460°F)
Which solder should I use when installing water lines?
Silver Lead Free, 95/5 and Instant Solder are approved for this application.
What is the purpose for using the Oatey Flame Protector when soldering?
Use the Oatey Flame Protector when the joint you are soldering is close to a finished surface that can brown or catch fire when the flame touches it. You simply position the flame protector between the joint and the surface to keep the finished surface from being damaged from the flame.
What is Tinning Flux, and what are its recommended uses?
Tinning Flux has a small amount of powdered solder in the paste that makes soldering easier. You can use Tinning Flux on Low-Lead Brass if you are a novice user of solder products, or for large diameter piping systems to help make the process easier.
What is the best flux and solder to use for Low-Lead Brass?
The best flux is Oatey H2O®95 and Oatey Silver Solders.
What is the difference between #5 and #95 fluxes?
The #95 paste flux contains a silver solder tinning powder which helps fill in the joint when heat is applied, #5 does not.