Breaking a soldered joint

[Stormin Mormon]

Years ago, I worked with a plumber who used acetylene torch with tank, and hose. He was forever looking for his sparker lighter. Finally another fellow asked him to try the piezo start mapp. The plumber said yes, that is far more convenient. And went on using the torch with the hose and the sparker that went missing every time.

[mm]

So now we have 3 variables.

Lead solder Non-lead Propane Mapp Old torch New torch

That's 8 combinations. I'm going to get a grant and write a thesis, ranking all 8 of them in order of ease and effectiveness.

[Tony]

Well yes the acetylene is hotter, but we aren't smelting the joints together! Just soldering.

On the subject of plumbing, I recall years ago a long thread about stuffing white bread in a pipe to keep dripping water out of the way. I saw some commercially made stuff that does the same thing. Has anyone tried it? (I saw it at Lows) I think it may be something similar to the corn starch based shipping "peanuts" that disolve in water.

[Tony]

My MAPP torch is maybe close to 15 years old? It's similar to this but has another adjustable valve on top.

During 'idle' time turning it down low will make the thing glow red, can't leave it like that so it really is a gas hog. Maybe someday I'll find a set of propane and mapp type trigger type torches on sale. I do like the short fat propane canisters, they don't fall over so easy. For years I've been buying my propane from the sports/camping center at walmart to get the short stubby canisters. When it's on sale the propane in the camping section is much cheaper than the hardware/tools section.

[Stormin Mormon]

Home owner -- pro plumber

You're up to 16 permutations, and looks like you need another couple huddred grand for your study.

[mm]

You're right. I'm changing my grant request now.

I'm glad you posted before Monday.

[mm]

I did it with the bread. I had to buy a whole loaf because I don't eat bread. But the bread was good to eat and it worked well in my pipes and water heater.

There wasn't much water coming out of my pipes, but I think it could have soaked up quite a bit.

Why buy this stuff if bread works well? (well, maybe because it would soak up even more water, but you could also suff more bread in.) I wouldn't use pumpernickel. Just soft white bread with very soft crust. Wonder bread type stuff. And the bread I had was fresh and springy. I was taking no chances. :)

[Stormin Mormon]

Call me if you need a sub contractor. We'll do lunch.