Alpha Fry

Buying Guide: Solder, Flux and Brazing Supplies

Lead-Free Solid Wire and Plumbing Solder
Silver-bearing solid wire solder is for copper tubing and supply lines, with a melting point of 430 degrees F. Plumbing solder is for non-electrical applications, including copper plumbing and water tanks. Solid wire also comes in a tin/antimony 95/5 version, so check the wire diameter and alloy on the old package before you buy.

Rosin Core and Repair Solder
Rosin core solder wire is for general electrical work, and it comes in silver-bearing and tin/copper/silver versions, both 0.062 in. in diameter. Repair solder comes in 0.03 in. and 0.062 in. diameters, and the 0.25 oz. version is 96 percent tin and 4 percent silver for electrical soldering. Check the diameter and alloy in the product name before you buy.

Flux, Brazing Kits and Desoldering Braid
Water soluble paste flux is for non-electrical soldering of copper, brass, galvanized iron and steel, and it is used with solid wire solder and a soldering iron or torch. Specialty brazing kits are for joining silver, copper, nickel, galvanized iron and steel in non-electrical applications. Copper desoldering braid comes in 5 ft lengths, and a no-clean version is also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Alpha Fry make?
Alpha Fry offers solid wire, plumbing, rosin core, acid core, flux core and repair solder, along with soldering paste, paste and water soluble flux, specialty brazing kits, soldering kits and desoldering braid. Many of its solders are lead-free.

How do I choose the right solder for plumbing or electrical work?
Plumbing solder is for non-electrical copper plumbing and water tanks, and silver-bearing solid wire is for copper tubing and supply lines. Rosin core solder wire is for general electrical work. Check the wire diameter, such as 0.062 in. or 0.125 in., and the alloy in the product name before you buy.

Does Alpha Fry offer water soluble flux?
Yes. The lead-free water soluble flux comes in 2 oz., and the 2 oz. paste flux pack of 10 is completely water washable. The paste flux is for non-electrical soldering of copper, brass, galvanized iron, steel and nickel alloys, and it is used with solid wire solder and a soldering iron or torch.