Soldering stainless steel

daggermark · 4 Jul 2020

I need to solder a stainless steel nut onto a stainless steel bolt for a hobby project. It needs to be completely sealed, so not just a 'spot solder'. I haven't soldered anything since my school days and I'm not sure how to go about this. I have quite a few questions!

I know you can get soldering irons and soldering torches, which one would I use for this case? Which flux and solder material do I need? How do I convince the solder to enter the thread of the bolt and join the two parts?

Burnerman · 4 Jul 2020

Not the easiest task to solder stainless, but it is perfectly possible if you use an acidic flux....I remember phosphoric acid is the flux of choice here.
If the correct flux is used, then a standard tin/lead (60/40%) solder will work fine. lead free solder is available but believe me, it ain't as good!
Depending on the size of fixing you may need a gas flame rather than an electric iron.
John

daggermark · 4 Jul 2020

Thanks Burnerman. Is tin/lead solder inert once set? This part will potentially contact food.

Burnerman · 4 Jul 2020

Welllll.....theoretically no, (it would never worry me, in that context) but go for a lead free solder - most is lead free anyway, be it for electronic or plumbing work these days.
If the stainless is dead clean and the flux applied it will solder fine.
If you, for example, wanted to fix a nut onto stainless studding consider wrapping the solder wire above the nut before applying the heat......you'll see the solder run once you get to the correct temperature.
John

daggermark · 4 Jul 2020

Thanks, I will give it a go!

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Soldering stainless steel

daggermark

Burnerman

daggermark

Burnerman

daggermark

DIYnot Local

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