Are Some Fluxes Easier To Use Than Others?

[plumbandplumber]

After some advice about flux, and also to see which fluxes others are using. Are some fluxes easier to use than others? Do some give you more time to make the joint before evaporating? Laco and Powerflux seem to run down the pipe very soon after applying heat.

Also, what are the different types of flux - some seem to be water soluble (Laco) and other grease based (Yorks. traditional)? What are the advantages of each?

The main fluxes seem to be Laco, Powerlux and Everflux. Less common ones are Yorkshire Traditonal and Fernox Fluxite and a real rarity is Templars Telux.

Pegler Yorkshire -

Fluxite

Templars Templars Telux Flux - Templars from JTM Plumbing Limited UK

 

[plumben]

Personally i use fry powerflow flux as thats what i was taught with and what ive always used, i find Laco to be very corrosive and if you've missed abit the whole pipe ends up green

 

[AMW]

Laco as its what I used as an apprentice and have had no reason to change, I've found everflux is the most corrosive personally.

 

[Deleted member 7121]

Plumb centres own brand

 

[Best]

I hate Everflux because it is very corrosive. I have seen the solder "dry" on joints done with it.
Only Yorkshire or Fluxite traditional grease based fluxes for me, although I do have a tub of Laco to try.
Grease based fluxes flow well and allow the solder to do same if also applied as you solder

 

[chris watkins]

Powerflow is the best especially on the larger pipe diameters, in fact it is so good that sometimes you don't even need to solider it cos it sticks the pipe & fitting together!
I love it, no more joints moving just as you are about to apply the solder, having to prop up your pipe before you heat it up are a thing of the past when using this baby.
Just hope to hell you have it in the right position when you push the two together.:ack2:

 

[lame plumber]

fallen in love with nokorode flux, doesnt cause parts to jam and stick, best of all does the job without burner your fingers and leaving green gunk everywhere

 

[chris watkins]

I don't understand all the claims of green on finished joints, don't you guys wipe yours down with a wet cloth while still hot ?

 

[Gasmk1]

I really like everflux

 

[plumbandplumber]

I hate Everflux because it is very corrosive. I have seen the solder "dry" on joints done with it.
Only Yorkshire or Fluxite traditional grease based fluxes for me, although I do have a tub of Laco to try.
Grease based fluxes flow well and allow the solder to do same if also applied as you solder

Thanks for your reply. In your last paragraph, do you mean that with Yorks or Fluxrite, you need to apply extra flux to the outside of the fitting where it meets the pipe to work properly? Or does it work well just by only fluxing pipe end and inside fitting before assembling them?

 

[plumbandplumber]

fallen in love with nokorode flux, doesnt cause parts to jam and stick, best of all does the job without burner your fingers and leaving green gunk everywhere

Not heard of that one - may give it a go. Where go you buy it? Thanks for reply.

 

[chris watkins]

fallen in love with nokorode flux, doesnt cause parts to jam and stick, best of all does the job without burner your fingers and leaving green gunk everywhere

WRAS approved ?

 

[plumbandplumber]

Thanks to all for replies. Some helpful info and really interested to hear people's experience with different fluxes. As I thought, a wide range of preferences. Also, do some fluxes work better with leaded or lead-free solder? And does flux have a shelf life?

 

[Chalked]

Used fluxite as an apprentice. It's like axle grease! And you have to polish every fitting.
Hate the smell of yorkshire flux ( even though I live there!!:crazy should be called Lancashire fluux :ciappa:

Have used laco for the last 30 years, with no problems. It's a good strong flux, but does require a decent flush through and wipe down.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Personally i use fry powerflow flux as thats what i was taught with and what ive always used, i find Laco to be very corrosive and if you've missed abit the whole pipe ends up green

+1 nice and easy to use the only problem it sometimes a pita to get the pipe in the fittings sometimes as it sticks

 

[Best]

Thanks for your reply. In your last paragraph, do you mean that with Yorks or Fluxrite, you need to apply extra flux to the outside of the fitting where it meets the pipe to work properly? Or does it work well just by only fluxing pipe end and inside fitting before assembling them?

I meant that the grease based fluxes make the solder flow well. But adding a dab of extra flux as the fitting is getting well heated will not only keep it clean for soldering, but also keep the solder flowing. Also lets you see the exact second the fitting/pipe becomes hot enough to take solder.
Think the grease based can overheat easier than some, which you have to be careful with lead free soldering. Think if I remember right it was said Powerflux is good for extra heat, although I find grease based fine

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I meant that the grease based fluxes make the solder flow well. But adding a dab of extra flux as the fitting is getting well heated will not only keep it clean for soldering, but also keep the solder flowing. Also lets you see the exact second the fitting/pipe becomes hot enough to take solder.
Think the grease based can overheat easier than some, which you have to be careful with lead free soldering. Think if I remember right it was said Powerflux is good for extra heat, although I find grease based fine

Also a tiny bit on the end on the solder helps

 

[hammers4spanner]

I like any flux I can nab off site

 

[Best]

Also a tiny bit on the end on the solder helps

Yes, that's what I meant by adding flux. I like to dip my wire in.

 

[Thegift]

I've always used laco but lately started using everflux.

 

[Staffy85]

fry fluxite for me, love it! not too corrosive, I also find doing vertical pipe joints easier as the solder doesn't seem to run down with the flux as much as it does with powerflow or laco? that could just be me though, anyone else back that up?

 

[jonnyswamp]

Laco for me and always wipe with a damp rag
Was getting powerflow in heating packs (HA work a while ago) and couldn't put up with it binding on the fittings, what I didn't throw in the bin I gave it to the apprentice

 

[PhoenixServices]

Laco for me. All I have ever used an seen no reason to change. Damp cloth and Bit of wire wool after and it is jobs a goodun.

 

[billybob150811]

power flow for me doesn't have a lot of lubricant in it but its nice and active everflux has too much lube in it for me and the solder runs everywhere but hey ho each to their own

 

[tomplumb83]

Learnt with Fluxite as an apprentice. Not allowed to use self cleaning stuff
Moved on to Laco when I'd grown up.
Only other one I've tried is a small tub of Powerflow and ended up chucking it in the bin before finishing it
Happy with Laco