Soldering copper and then...

[rocketmanbkk]

Friends

Have you ever soldered a joint and then had to undo it?

Can this be done in reality?

Regards to all.

Rocket

 

[anz]

Yes you can undo a soldered fitting......

 

[rocketmanbkk]

Just heat up and pull apart? then go again? add more flux? solder?

Thanls for the reply

 

[Puddle]

Add flux to outer joint,heat up slowly and pull apart

Then heat fitting slowly,wipe out any excess solder in fitting to allow pipe to be refitted ,then flux pipe again , refit and resolder

imho

 

[Mike Jackson]

When I was at college they used to do it all the time and re use the fittings to save money.

 

[heliotrope]

It is quite a simple job to remove a copper fitting once it has been soldered.
Apply heat as if going to solder. Hold onto fitting or pipe with grips and when
the joint starts to bubble solder a couple of twists and a gentle pull and it will
come apart.
Keep the heat on all the time untill the join is apart.

 

[SimonJohns]

Has to be done.

Like the last time I done it. 4pm on a Friday. Boiler had to be working. Didn't solder proper. Took it apart. Cleaned it and redone it. All good in the end

 

[Phil]

It is quite a simple job to remove a copper fitting once it has been soldered.
Apply heat as if going to solder. Hold onto fitting or pipe with grips and when
the joint starts to bubble solder a couple of twists and a gentle pull and it will
come apart.
Keep the heat on all the time untill the join is apart.

Yeah, and when it makes that squeeking sound I cringe. Or is that just me?

 

[AWheating]

just remember to be prepared...... where are you going to place the hot fitting/s? what are you going to use to clean the end of the pipe while its still hot? how are you going to protect your hands from heat?

i would wear googles and gloves as you may get some steam and spitting. After you have done it a few times it will become just like any other part of the job.

 

[rocketmanbkk]

Thank you all for your replies.

 

[Simon F]

if you are applying heat forever and never getting it hot enough to melt the solder then there is still some water left in the fitting

 

[AWheating]

or you have forgot to turn the water off

 

[Simon F]

or not thought to drain down to start with

 

[Howsie]

You don't have to clean it. Just flux (can get away without actually) and resolder.

 

[NewApprentice]

Re-heat fitting and use wee grips to ease it a part if you need to re-use bit you take it off wire wool show make it smooth but wont take off the solder

 

[PlumbBobBob]

just do as everyone says and you wont go wrong

 

[Best]

Just heat gently & keep sideways strain on the pipe till it moves in joint & then remove fitting by tapping it. Immediately rub solder off pipe with cloth.
If you are reusing a Yorkshire type fitting, remember that the solder will not pass the part where the solder ring used to be, when soldering " upwards ", as the capilliary action is stopped there. Okay to solder on level fitting or downwards.
Take care that 2nd hand fittings are clean inside, - if not, then clean with emery paper.

 

[tamz]

As Howsie said, you don't actually need to flux it again if it is tinned properly.

 

[jaybob]

As Howsie said, you don't actually need to flux it again if it is tinned properly.

thats a realy good bit of info

 

[rocketmanbkk]

all, done, very simple.

 

[REDSAW]

use pushfit

 

[Hybrid]

I never resolder fittings unless they're big expensive ones. After it's been heated off it normall looks bobbins.
Get it off and redo it.