Wipe Solder Joint?
 

Sometimes in soldering copper pipe and fittings, it's difficult
to wipe a joint giving it a "nice" finished appearance. This
is especially true for the backside of some work.

Is there some quality, durability or other reason for the wipe?
Or, is it just cosmetic, and essentially unnecessary?

Thanks,

Dick

Mainly cosmetic and also sometimes the drip will form a sharp point,
which can later cut you if you don't see it coming.

Prof Reid wrote:
Sometimes in soldering copper pipe and fittings, it's difficult
to wipe a joint giving it a "nice" finished appearance. This
is especially true for the backside of some work.

Is there some quality, durability or other reason for the wipe?
Or, is it just cosmetic, and essentially unnecessary?

Thanks,

Dick


I've seen reports that wiped joints are stronger than unwiped joints,
but strength is relative. If the joint is properly done (cleaned,
fluxed, adequate heat, etc.) it is going to be plenty strong.
Dave

On 1 May 2005 13:25:06 GMT, Prof Reid wrote:

Sometimes in soldering copper pipe and fittings, it's difficult
to wipe a joint giving it a "nice" finished appearance. This
is especially true for the backside of some work.

Is there some quality, durability or other reason for the wipe?
Or, is it just cosmetic, and essentially unnecessary?

Mainly cosmetic. I noticed that a lot of pro plumbers wipe the joint
with flux and a brush so I adopted it.

Steve Manes
Brooklyn, NY
http://www.magpie.com/house

Actually, if you have a "bad" joint with a pinhole leak, wiping can form a
fillet against the fitting and seal up the pinhole. Sort of last chance to
have a leakproof joint, plus make it look good.

"Steve Manes" wrote in message
...
On 1 May 2005 13:25:06 GMT, Prof Reid wrote:

Sometimes in soldering copper pipe and fittings, it's difficult
to wipe a joint giving it a "nice" finished appearance. This
is especially true for the backside of some work.

Is there some quality, durability or other reason for the wipe?
Or, is it just cosmetic, and essentially unnecessary?

Mainly cosmetic. I noticed that a lot of pro plumbers wipe the joint
with flux and a brush so I adopted it.

Steve Manes
Brooklyn, NY
http://www.magpie.com/house

Prof Reid wrote:
Sometimes in soldering copper pipe and fittings, it's difficult
to wipe a joint giving it a "nice" finished appearance. This
is especially true for the backside of some work.

Is there some quality, durability or other reason for the wipe?
Or, is it just cosmetic, and essentially unnecessary?

Thanks,

Dick


A good wipe can remove traces of flux, some types of which may over time
cause an unsightly greenish corrosion on the pipe and fittings.

Anyway, its just cosmetic, 'cause when talking about sweated copper
plumbing joints, "The solder you can see isn't doing anything useful."

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia

(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)

"As long as there are final exams, there will be prayer in public
schools"

Been told that union plumbers wipe the joint to remove the flux you applied
before soldering. Don't know if the flux is destructive over time to the
copper or if it is just cosmetic. IMO keep a wet rag handy and wipe the
joint.
"Prof Reid" wrote in message
...
Sometimes in soldering copper pipe and fittings, it's difficult
to wipe a joint giving it a "nice" finished appearance. This
is especially true for the backside of some work.

Is there some quality, durability or other reason for the wipe?
Or, is it just cosmetic, and essentially unnecessary?

Thanks,

Dick

Prof Reid writes:

Or, is it just cosmetic, and essentially unnecessary?

It can't possibly help the joint, only disturb it when it is freezing. But
it does look more workmanlike.

On Sun, 01 May 2005 22:42:23 -0500, Richard J Kinch
wrote:

Prof Reid writes:

Or, is it just cosmetic, and essentially unnecessary?

It can't possibly help the joint, only disturb it when it is freezing. But
it does look more workmanlike.


Can't say for sure, but logically a joint is better (stronger) when
it cures slowly. Wiping it with a damp rag, cools the solder quickly.
I'd have to agree that wiping looks cleaner.

According to Prof Reid :

Is there some quality, durability or other reason for the wipe?
Or, is it just cosmetic, and essentially unnecessary?

Mostly cosmetic, however...

Plumbing flux is corrosive to copper. Generally speaking it won't
cause a problem (because the quantities are small), but it does
leave you with greenish stains.
--
Chris Lewis, Una confibula non set est
It's not just anyone who gets a Starship Cruiser class named after them.