Soldering uphill

[stuart_adair]

I've come across a problem loads of times in the past with soldering joints upside down on a vertical pipe. The upper solder is fine but try as I might I cant persuade the solder to run around the joint and ignore the downward laws of physics.

Whats the secret method

 

[seco services]

remove the heat when the solder starts to flow.

 

[Kes]

I think that the laws of physics probably include one or two about capilliary action. There's no problem with soldering 'upside down' fittings, just a little skill and experience required. Prepare and heat as usual, then when the fitting is hot enough to melt the solder wire, apply, and the solder will be sucked up into and around the fitting. It is a knack to judge the heat, when the flux is just about browning or just starting to smoke. Practice on a spare fitting.

 

[totalshell]

dont use to much solder otherwise gravity will overcome the capillary action, draw the solder in by moving the flame into the fitting just as it starts to run