No. 95 tinning flux over No. 5

[Bob from accounting]

Curious about which lead free solder to use. Seems everyone is saying to use the Oatey No.95 tinning flux.
Why is No 5 flux even an option, in what example would you use No 5 over No 95 flux? They seem like the same price? Why not use No. 95 tinning flux for all your joints?
In house copper plumbing only, not for drain, waste or venting.

 

[Reach4]

Tradition?

Oatey H-205 water based tinning flux is another candidate. I liked the 95.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jadnashua]

No 5 is petroleum based, No 95 is water based...you aren't supposed to use petroleum based stuff on potable water these days, but it would work fine (easier to use) on things like hydronic heating systems. The petroleum based stuff doesn't burn out as easily as the water based stuff if you overheat the joint...IOW, it's a little more forgiving than water based stuff, and 95 won't pollute your potable water - the petroleum in 5 will take MUCH longer to purge out as it's not soluble, leaving a funky taste in the water.

 

[Reach4]

Oatey® No. 95 Tinning Flux is a petrolatum-based flux, as is No. 5.

H-205 is water-based.
https://www.oatey.com/products/oatey-no-95-tinning-flux-617577034

 

[Jadnashua]

Okay, my bad...the difference between the two fluxes is the addition of powdered solder in the No. 95. From my experience, for someone that doesn't solder every day or have all that much experience, using a tinning flux makes things a bit easier. You can see when the solder in the flux melts and know the joint is hot enough to then add your additional solder to finish up the joint. Otherwise, it's fairly easy to overheat the joint, creating scorched spots inside, and the solder won't flow properly that can lead to leaks. A water based flux is still better as I find it leaves less of a funky taste and clears sooner than non-water based ones. http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/petrolatum/

 

[Jeff H Young]

everflux water soluble real popular stuff with potable water in my area non potable no korode still a big seller . might have bought otay once at a big box store most the shops I know use everflux and no korode .

 

[GOT2LEARN]

I like Oatey's tinning flux, works great!