Flux

[Hannah]

So am really confused about what's the difference between flux's :mad2:


Can anybody tell me? :smiley2:

Hannah x

 

[neily01]

from memory fluxs that are only active when heated should be used on gas pipe work as unable to flush wether laco or powerflux are I have no idea can anyone advise

The fact you couldnt flush and it wasnt ment to be active, but I have seen what laco looks like after a while as I use to always use it and its not good. Now have to use ever as ordered by the firm, took a while to get use to it.

 

[Killy Bing]

some are thicker, some abit runny.
Some smell bad, some destroy your lungs (la co)
some burn in a cut, ever-flux tempts you to cauterise the wound with a blow lamp.
None of them are good for your skin!

basically buy a small tub of each one and have a go using them.

decide which one you like to use best.

i use everflux.......that's mainly down to pts cocking up an order and feeling the need to give me a box of it......

 

[Ermintrude]

Centerbrand flux is fernox power flow. Used to use laco, then went no frills heat activated now just stuck with bumcenter now. Does job cleans off easily with damp wet rag.

 

[Howsie]

LaCo for me but everything works. No need to clean the fitting with LaCo imho

 

[Ermintrude]

LaCo for me but everything works. No need to clean the fitting with LaCo imho

I remember shouting at an apprentice flux doesn't clean fittings you do. That's the way forward wool or pad shine that mofo. On class E always sand more that insert so u can verify it's been rubbed before cleaned and glued.

 

[Howsie]

Bless him. I've never bothered unless it's an old fitting from the bottom of the van.

 

[Ermintrude]

U apply flux to inside of fitting with end of solder too? Apposed to outside with a brush? Wipe it down or green ur favourite colour? Being cheeky not implying your rough!

 

[Howsie]

Only to pipe. Don't usually use have any old pipe or fittings so it's not a worry. A little heat on the pipe if no abrasive to hand. Pressure tested to 150% and that's good enough for me.

 

[solutions]

I have used all of the main 3 listed above. La-Co works fine but leaves the solder black when the pipe is cleaned off and it is thicker in consistency so I think you end up with more in your fittings.
Powerflo is my personal preference doesn't discolour the solder leaves it bright and shiny and is easier to see when you spread it on. I don't know if I got a duff batch of everflow but every time I opened the tub it seemed to get more liquid started to separate like cottage cheese, still worked mind and I think some sites prefer it because it is supposed to be easier to flush out but that could just be hear say as I have seen no evidence.

 

[Ermintrude]

Have u ever had Yorkshire fittings get flux bound. Flux it all up and assemble, but one fitting won't rotate or come off? It was fine before flux too!!!!!! End up with hands covered in flux and slipping all over?

 

[solutions]

Yes and its never when you want one stuck while you solder, those just happily drop off your pipe while heating.

 

[carrpaul]

hi there, worked on the flight traffic control in swanwick and thats all we used . i did the 3 tank rooms

 

[Best]

...and just to add to the list of fluxes, - I use grease based fluxes - mainly the Fluxite one but also the very similar Yorkshire Traditional flux.
They are fairly non aggressive, although should be wiped off with damp cloth later. Fittings & pipes need cleaned though by right prior to soldering. Can burn a bit if you overheat a fitting but the results are perfect joints. The leaded solder especially on end feed fittings will flow really well. I use these fluxes tbh because I have always used them, but also I know they do a professional job. The more aggressive active fluxes like Everflux will save you cleaning much & therefore you will earn more I guess. Laco I might try as it is non toxic I believe.

 

[iiplumbing]

Are there any fluxes that wont turn your fingers green?

 

[TimeServed]

Used only Powerflow for years and last week was giving a small 50g tub of Laco, this week I just bought a 475g tub of..........Laco.
At the end of the day they all do what they say on the tin.