Top 18 Best Torch For Soldering Copper Pipe In 2024
Brandon Forder May 6, 2024 7:57 AM
Would you describe yourself as a professional plumber, a DIY enthusiast, or a homeowner that handles all of their own repairs? If so, you should equip your toolbox with a soldering torch.
The use of soldering irons has nearly been phased out in favor of soldering torches. Because not only are they simpler to operate, but also the soldering of copper pipes can be done more precisely.
Repairing the copper pipes in your garage and house is a breeze with the help of these torches.
However, if you're just starting off, selecting the right torch for soldering copper pipe might be a real pain. Our comprehensive evaluation will be of great assistance despite the fact that the variety of torches, fuel options, and accessories might be overwhelming.
Everything you wanted to know about soldering torches has been covered. Yes, all you need to know about torches, from the different kinds there are to the best brands and considerations you should make, can be found here.
So, let’s dive in!
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Last update on 2024-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Type
In other words, you've decided to get a soldering torch for copper pipes, but you're not sure which one to obtain. Picking out a torch is the first order of business. How you plan to utilize the torch will determine this.
The propane torch is the most widely used torch type. These are less complicated and more suited for newcomers. For quick soldering jobs, this is ideal.
Acetylene torches are tougher to manage but produce stronger joints overall. Using them effectively will necessitate higher levels of expertise.
What do you do if you want to avoid using acetylene torches but require greater heat than propane torches can provide? When that happens, pick up The Best MAPP GAS TORCH you can find.
Modified propane is the basis for mapp gas. Nonetheless, it offers a much hotter temperature, which is useful for soldering.
The right torch for the job depends on the user's experience and the complexity of the task.
Heat Control
For successful soldering of a copper pipe, the right temperature is crucial. Faster preheating of a larger diameter with higher output temperature is possible for a smaller diameter pipe. An intense and focused flame tip will help you get the job done faster and with fewer refills. To properly solder copper pipes, a focused flame is needed.
Although other flame types will heat pipes, it may take a few minutes longer, experienced users prefer a flame that swirls. There are numerous kinds of pipes that need fixing, so keep that in mind when you're considering fire. For this reason, it's important to be able to modify the flame's intensity as needed.
Ignition
Soldering torches are available with three ignition types: electrical igniter, battery-operated, or a piezoelectric ignition device. Igniters can survive for years, but at the beginning stages of soldering, a torch is not likely to have issues.
Build Material
The construction material of your soldering torch is crucial to its performance. Torches with steel bodies last longer and can carry more weight. However, they also tend to be somewhat heavy.
Experts like aluminum torches because they are strong and portable.
But aluminum torches are on the pricey side. Steel ones are the way to go if you can ignore the extra weight.
Adjustable Flame Length
Furthermore, make sure your torch has a flame regulator. Adjust the amount of gas released with this valve. If you increase the gas, the flame length rises.
A long flame is required for soldering. However, a shorter flame may be necessary for the accurate execution of some tiny tasks. Because of this, a flame regulator valve is an essential piece of equipment.
Temperature
You don’t really need that high of a temperature to solder copper pipes. Also, you should be cautious about overheating the metal.
Soldering is no problem with the 3600 degrees Fahrenheit that may be generated with a propane torch. The typical temperature required to solder copper is only about 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Safety Features
It is also good to be aware of, and opt for, safety features that, happily, are available in most soldering torches nowadays. Features like as trigger locks, gas flow adjustment dials or faucet valves, adjustable flame height, and run/flame locks are all included for the user's protection.
How Long Do I Wait After Soldering The Copper Pipe?
Pressurizing the pipe without waiting at all can result in solder breaking. Therefore, you need to give the copper pipe a couple of minutes to cool down after soldering. During this time the solder will cool correctly.
What Temperature Is Needed For Plumbing Torch?
Different plumbing torches give different temperatures. However, the ideal open-air temperature for the best plumbing torch is greater than 3600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Flux Necessary For Soldering Copper Pipe?
Copper pipe soldering does require flux. For soldering strong metals like copper, an artificial acid flux is required. The flux serves to safeguard the metal from oxidation and rust.
Why doesn’t my solder stick?
If you can't get the solder hot enough, it won't stick. If you tap some solder on it, it will melt nearly immediately. A small amount of solder should be placed on the iron's tip. To weld metal, press the weld into the metal.
Can you use too much flux when soldering?
Keep in mind that Rosen activated or RMA flux tends to crystallize more, is difficult to remove, and is caustic, so you'll want to clean it up if you use it. But it makes you fat. It depends on the type of welding utilized and the type of flux employed.
Can you use too much solder on copper pipes?
Don't over-solder the joint. It's tempting to provide some extra leak protection by melting a few inches of weld. Extra solder in the pipes can harden into brittle balls that shatter under water pressure and cause expensive damage to the fixtures' control mechanisms. A half inch will do.
A soldering torch is an indispensable tool for joining copper pipes together. If you're serious about soldering, this tool will help you level up. The challenge, though, is figuring out which torch is best for your work.
Knowing what qualities copper soldering torches should possess can make the job easier. With the information provided in this study, you should have no trouble selecting the ideal torch for soldering copper pipe.
If you still have any doubts, our FAQ section will clear them. So pick the torch that works best for you.
Last but not least, make sure to pick up a torch that is appropriate for your degree of experience. And remember to always use caution when handling an open flame.
