On Mar 4, 9:05 pm, "PE" wrote:
Hi all: I recently noticed that Home Depot is selling a copper bonding
expoxy product in the plumbing dept. that's billed as being as good as
solder. Seems like it might be a useful alternative to use on joints in
tight, enclosed areas where heating the parts with an open flame is
difficult/dangerous. Would appreciate any informed opinions regarding
whether or not the product referenced above might be an acceptable
substitute for solder in the circumstances mentioned. Thanks for your
replies!!

There is a fundamental problem with conventional epoxy cements for
metals, namely, a huge difference in coefficient of thermal expansion.
By using copper powder as a filler. the situation is somewhat
improved, but such a bond in a hot water system would be subjected to
hundreds of cooling-heating cycles each of which will stress the
joint. It therefore makes sense to use adhesives where they can be
monitored and where an inadvertant leak will not cause a
major ,problem. Also, the integrity of the bond is even more dependent
on clean surfaces than soldering. As always, let the process and the
materials be dictated by the needed results. HTH

Joe