FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Pre-soldered Copper Fittings

NickNukeEm | Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on April 29, 2005 04:05am

Picked up a few of these a week ago, but didn’t use them where intended.  Today while scoping out a beach house for a regular client, I found the hot and cold lines to a shower burst from winter freeze (I was filling the pipes). 

Long story short, the pipes were buried in a wall blocked by a staircase, making accessibility almost impossible.  I was able to cut the pipe, but sweating the fitting was gonna be a pita.  So I pulled out these self-soldered fittings and used a slip coupling.  Worked like a champ.  Flux, fit together, apply heat.  When the solder started oozing out the joint, the job was done.

Only problem with them appears to be that you have to sweat both ends at the same time.  So they appear to be useful primarily if fitting up in place.

I picked up a bigger selection this afternoon.  I used several couplings today, but have to admit on those that I had access to, I added more solder while sweating, but the one I didn’t held just fine.

 

I never met a tool I didn’t like!
Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Harryd | Apr 29, 2005 04:26am | #1

    I learned electronics soldering in the Army Air Defense School, everything was pretinned before fitting up.  I have done the same thing on what little water service work I have done - it never occured to me that there might be a difference.  I clean, and flux if necessary, heat, flow solder on the part and wipe while hot with a cotton rag. After assembly it is heated and fused.

    This doesn't work so well with lead free soldier, though.  it appears that the remelt temp is higher than the original melt - maybe the components segregate or alloy with copper.

    HarryD

  2. DanH | Apr 29, 2005 04:28am | #2

    Keep us informed. Folks are interested in how these work out.

    At least one nice thing about them vs several other new technologies that are breaking into the market is that you know pretty much right away if they worked -- either the joint leaks or it doesn't.

    1. User avater
      NickNukeEm | Apr 29, 2005 05:56am | #3

      First time I've used them was today, so I don't have squatolla for history.  I can tell you they worked like a champ and I won't hesitate to use them again, especially in renovation work where conditions are cramped.  The clearance is tight, so the copper pipe needs to be free of any sharp edge - in fact, I purposely cut off a half inch with a tubing cutter just to get the roundover along the rim so it would fit in easily.  Ream it, flux it up and slip it in.  Sounds almost erotic.  Not that there's anything wring with that...

      Selection of fittings isn't as wide, and the price is double that of standard fittings, but in cases of repair work, it's well worth the few extra nickles or dimes.

       I never met a tool I didn't like!

      1. csnow | Apr 29, 2005 11:05pm | #4

        I guess you found a good use for them.  Access problems. Makes sense.

        Before your example, I could never understand the point.  You still need to clean and flux, so how hard is it to add your own solder?

        1. User avater
          NickNukeEm | Apr 30, 2005 12:51am | #5

          ...so how hard is it to add your own solder?

          When you can only get one hand in there and it's holding the torch...

          The other is holding a fire extinguisher cause you just know something is gonna smoke real soon, lol. 

          I like using the couplings in vertical runs/repairs.  The bottom joint on a standard fitting is always a little messy because I want to ensure I've thrown enough solder up there to get good coverage.  With these couplings/fittings, the solder is already in the joint, so the odds of a leaker has diminished, theoretically.  In actuality, I may have a leaker once in 100 joints, and it's never the bottom joint in a fitting on a vertical run.

          Cheap insurance, I guess.  If I have to prefit together a shower control, I'll use standard fittings.  When it's time to sweat that bad boy in, I will probably reach for these.

           I never met a tool I didn't like!

  3. DavidThomas | Apr 30, 2005 04:28am | #6

    I used a dozen in 1" sizes a month ago because it was the only 1" fittings HD had.  Worked fine, didn't save much time at all, but it could certainly might help in a really tight spot.  Otherwise not worth the added cost.

    I don't mind using my second hand for solder.  If I might have wanted to hold a fire extingusher, I've already misted down everything around with a water.

    What I've wanted to see for years now is a pre-BRUSHED fitting.  Sealed in a little nitrogen-filled bag.  With maybe a color-coded chemical to indicate if oxygen had gotten in to the bag somehow.  So you tear open the bag, add flux, assembly in the run.  Save the time and sore wrists of brushing fittings.

    Working with two other guys, on a predictable installations, we'd brush our fittings on the drive to the job.  Even pre-assemble (brush, sand, flux) our manifolds.  Hang it, sweat it, wipe it, it all moved faster with the prep work already done.

     

    David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska
    1. User avater
      NickNukeEm | Apr 30, 2005 09:27pm | #7

      What I've wanted to see for years now is a pre-BRUSHED fitting. 

      Funny you should mention that.  The other day as I plumbed up a shower control, I wondered how many plumbers (or their apprentices) developed carpel tunnel Syndrome over the years brushing fittings and pipe.

       I never met a tool I didn't like!

      1. gstringe | Apr 30, 2005 10:29pm | #9

        One thing you can do is cut the handle off of the brush and put in your battery drill-zip and perfect elcleano. A problem with pretinning your own fittings is that it is difficult to wipe clean enough to not leave solder that makes the fitting opening too small to go on the pipe. Using pre tinned fittings still require fluxing or tinning of the pipe if you are doing a repair.Having been in electronics for 50 years I (environmental considerations aside, not convienced of the hazzards) use 63/37 solder, a eutetic ratio that is the strongest of the common lead solder ratios and the eutetic solder assures a quick set. If the joint doesn't set with a shine, then you know it has been disturbed as it was setting.I worked with a guy one time who used a resistance soldering unit he adapted to plumbing and for 1/2 and 3/4 joints, it was the most slick operation I had seen. No worries of fire starting or uneven heating in confined spaces.I like your approach....now lets see your departure

    2. DanH | Apr 30, 2005 10:24pm | #8

      Something I've wondered: How much in advance can you clean and flux a part, and still get a reliable joint? An hour? A day? A week?

      1. DavidThomas | May 03, 2005 12:59am | #10

        "How much in advance can you clean and flux a part, and still get a reliable joint?"

        An hour, easy.

        Couple hours - I haven't tested that a lot, I think okay.

        One day - definitely dicey.  A lot of them will be fine, but "a lot" like 4 out of 5.  Which is LOUSY odds.

        So don't hold up the lunch wagon to sweat a run.  But finish what you start that day for sure.  And, if plans change, I wipe out the excess flux with a wet rag and resand and reflux the next day.  Sanding and fluxing can be a drag, until you get into the zen of it.  But never nearly the drag that chopping a fitting out of a pipe run to replace a bad joint.  I've never found a way to feel good about that.David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska

        1. Pierre1 | May 03, 2005 07:15am | #12

          "I've never found a way to feel good about that."

          Me neither. Which is why I'm a clean freak...if in the slightest doubt about contamination, I clean/brush it again. Got it down pretty good now, so when I turn the water back on I do so without dread. ;)

          A few weeks ago, I redid a house main shutoff, my first one. Watched that bugger like a hawk after the City opened her up at the curb - sure felt good when it stayed dry.

    3. JohnSprung | May 03, 2005 02:51am | #11

      > What I've wanted to see for years now is a pre-BRUSHED fitting.

      I'd be happier with HD if they'd just sell them without that paper bar code label.  Waste time scraping and cleaning it off, or let the miserable thing burn while you solder.

       

      -- J.S.

       

      1. DavidThomas | May 03, 2005 08:18pm | #13

        "I'd be happier with HD if they'd just sell them without that paper bar code label.  Waste time scraping and cleaning it off, or let the miserable thing burn while you solder."

        Yes, one of the lowest levels of Hell is reserved for those who put sticky tags on the mating surfaces of PVC, ABS, or Cu fittings. 

        The local hardware store, I can almost forgive - the put the lowest grunt on the price gun and he/she ain't a plumber and hasn't a clue about glue on a working surface.

        HD, OTOH, buys millions of the things and could specify exactly what they want their supplies to provide.  I mean, their washers have their SKU stamped into them!  You'd think they could manage to put the sticky bar code tags in a less plumber-offensive place (PVC/ABS) or print them on directly in a non-toxic ink on Cu.  Rather than have us burn the plastic tag off.

        End of rant.

         David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska

        1. User avater
          bobl | May 03, 2005 09:55pm | #14

          slight hyjacksaw a new products in JLC for copper fittings that were push on. no soldering.used epdm gasket and SS ring w/teeth.got my curiousity up.http://www.nventsolutions.com 

          bobl          Volo, non valeo

          Baloney detecter

  4. DenverKevin | May 08, 2005 03:01am | #15

    Presoldered fittings are the most popular type in Europe. In use at least 15 years that I know of.

  5. USAnigel | May 08, 2005 03:21am | #16

    Would you believe a electric paint striping gun will get pipe hot enought to sweat together! Works great for tight spaces where open flame is risky!

    1. DanH | May 08, 2005 06:01am | #17

      Well, you gotta get the pro model. The last unit I bought at a HW store was "dumbed down" and would barely melt wax. I think this was partly because of some big stink made about 10 years ago about how the things could cause a fire. Well, yeah!

    2. DavidThomas | May 08, 2005 12:03pm | #18

      I like it. I'm sure you're right (I've set stuff on fire with hot-air guns). But it takes a long time, the joint would be long since soldered.David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska

      1. USAnigel | May 08, 2005 06:29pm | #19

        the day I found out, thirty miles from a propane refill and two joints to sweat and be done! Yes alittle slow but worked lots of control too!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction

The crew talks about work start times, fire-resistant construction, fixer-uppers, building Larsen trusses, and AI for construction.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data