How to Use Acid Solder Flux

Many types of solder have acid flux core centers.

Only use acid flux when joining pieces of metal together, such as copper pipes. Never use it for electronic soldering, where it will will decay and dissolve the electrical connection.

1. Clean the pieces to be soldered together by rubbing each with emery paper to remove any oxidation. This is a necessary step before you use any type of acid flux.

2. Dab on some acid flux to the cleaned parts with an applicator brush. Cover the area thoroughly, and don't skimp when applying it. This will further remove any oxidation that you may have missed when using the emery cloth.

3. Heat the area with a soldering gun, or, if you are soldering larger areas, use a hobby torch. The area to be soldered must be completely heated to the melting point of the solder.

4. Touch acid flux core solder to the joint that will be soldered, and do this repeatedly until it begins to melt. Once the melting point has been reached, press the acid flux core solder onto the joint and allow the solder to melt and flow. The acid inside the solder will keep the area from becoming carbonized during the soldering process, and it will also ensure a tight bond at the joint.

Tip

If you're using a soldering gun, "tin" the tip by rubbing a bit of solder over it until it melts.