Pipe Soldering Heat Stop

[Seb101]

Hi Plumbers,

I've been teaching myself pipe soldering over the last few days, got to the point where I'm happy to give it a go on my bathroom. One question though, what material do you use to protect decorative surfaces like paint from the heat of the torch?

I searched Screwfix for 'heat resistant mat/board' but nothing came up. Do you all have a secret bit of asbestos you carry round with you?!

Thanks!

 

[bernardgreen]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/rothenberger-plumber-s-soldering-mat/54910

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Normally heat mats, screwfix may call them something else. I have in the passed used other heat resistant materials such as cement and plasterboard when it was more appropriate to use. There are also heat resistant gel sprays, that can be used as a protective coat.

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sour...=2&ie=UTF-8#q=plumbers+soldering+mat&tbm=shop

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sour...2&ie=UTF-8#tbm=shop&q=plumbers+soldering+gels

 

[Dan Robinson]

Heat mats are for shandies.

 

[Seb101]

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[durhamplumber]

Dan just uses his personality!...Ho Ho.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Actually, I was only bering partially flippant - a Solder mat needs regular changing once they get flux and schit on them they are more of a hazard than they are a protective tool - the flux can flair up of at the least stain the surface they're resting against.

Soldering requires a very small flame if using a decent torch so a careful workman can solder pretty close to finished surfaces relatively secure in the knowledge they won't harm decorations.

 

[Steelmasons]

A good quality mat can be cleaned..... thrown in the washing machine or boiled in a pot..

 

[Dan Robinson]

My last couple were frayed quite badly.

 

[Aquaheat]

Actually, I was only bering partially flippant - a Solder mat needs regular changing once they get flux and schit on them they are more of a hazard than they are a protective tool - the flux can flair up of at the least stain the surface they're resting against.

Soldering requires a very small flame if using a decent torch so a careful workman can solder pretty close to finished surfaces relatively secure in the knowledge they won't harm decorations.

+1

I very rarely need to bring a heat mat out. Careful, controlled flame directed correctly and you can be within 20mm and not leave a mark.

I have caused more damage with an old heat mat after it caught alight than I have from soldering.

Jon

 

[Aquaheat]

A good quality mat can be cleaned..... thrown in the washing machine or boiled in a pot..

Can they really Steel? I've always binned them but if that works then willing to try?

Jon

 

[PullerGas]

I very rarely use a mat, flame control is the key. I keep a ceramic tile in the van with Bluetack, if I need to use protection.

 

[PullerGas]

A good quality mat can be cleaned..... thrown in the washing machine or boiled in a pot..

Get you Steely!! Fancy - with your washing machine.