Vaseline as flux

[northy84]

Hey legends. I'm doing some soldering but my local Big Green Shed doesn't have any flux other than brazing flux
(YAY DARWIN).

I read that Vaseline/ Petroleum Jelly is a good substitute for flux, but I don't know if that applies to open flame, lead-free soldering. (https://www.candorind.com/what-is-solde ... ne-as-flux) Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Or should I just buy the brazing flux? (It does say "low-temp".)

[hgwells]

In stock at total tools in Darwin open til 4pm today

https://www.totaltools.com.au/36220-cig ... ass-321822

[RC Al]

No experience with vaso here, but flux is meant to clean surfaces, adding grease seems wrong.

Google seems to think otherwise... i think some vinegar or citric immediately beforehand would do the trick without adding an extra contaminant.

Low temp should be fine, but check the data sheet vs your solders melt point.

If your doing copper to ss I wouldn't make the job harder with shortcuts.

[northy84]

It's very confusing, what with silver soldering and electronic soldering. Maybe it's an electronic solder flux.
It prevents oxidation, and it washes away with warm water, but it's highly flammable. I tried some in a teaspoon with a pencil torch and managed to light the fumes... wow. :scared-eek:

[northy84]

Well, I tried it. A bit of vinegar and a bit of vaseline worked a trear. I haven't tested the joins yet, but so far, so good.

[atec77]

Well, I tried it. A bit of vinegar and a bit of vaseline worked a trear. I haven't tested the joins yet, but so far, so good.

Interesting , never tried it but will