"Ralph Mowery" wrote in message


Not using the sandpaper. You must clean both the inside of the coupling
and the outside of the pipe. Where ever the copper is to be joined both
pieces must be very clean and bright.
You can also use some of the Scotchbright pads or steel wool to do the
cleaning. The copper must be bright and grease free.



And be sure the joint get hot enough for the solder to flow, not clump. The
new solders with no lead take more heat that the older stuff.