How To Silver Solder Stainless Steel

Generally, welding holds stainless steel parts together best. You can silver solder stainless to itself or to brass or copper to make easier connections without risk of corrosion problems. The joint will only be as strong as the silver solder itself. You can use any silver solder, but you will need an acid-based flux specifically manufactured for nickel or stainless steel. Getting the steel hot enough presents the biggest problem, so be careful not to get it too hot, as it may cause surface oxides to form that reduce the quality of the stainless steel finish.

Step 1

Clean all surfaces to be soldered with solvent and a wire brush to remove all grease, corrosion or dirt.

Step 2

Apply a coating of flux to the stainless steel parts you are connecting. If you are soldering brass or copper parts to the stainless steel, tin them first by heating them and applying a thin coat of solder to the area that connects to the stainless steel.

Step 3

Hold your parts together with wire or clamps. Make sure the surfaces fit flush. Silver solder will not fill gaps.

Step 4

Heat the parts with a torch until the solder flows onto the joint. When the parts are hot enough, the solder will instantly turn to liquid when it touches the metals, then it will flow into the joint. If it does not do this, keep heating the metal until it does, but do not heat the solder directly. Only allow the hot metal to melt the solder.

Step 5

Remove the torch and solder as soon as a sufficient amount of solder melts onto the joint. You don't need much, and a glob can look ugly.

Step 6

Allow the metal to cool before touching or cleaning it. You can dunk it in water to cool it faster.