15% all the time

 

bought some the other day . Hadn't used it yet. Mabe some here has had experences the stuff & will post

 

I use Stay Bright 8 and love it.
http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/pdf/spec/Solder/HARRIS_STAY_BRITE_8_SILVER_BEARING_SOLDER.pdf

 

soft solder is for plumbers

 

Been using Stay Brite 8 for years on everything, went to Harris training and seen all the facts at class, never any leaks, one new tech used too much and plugged one restrictor, used on all 410 units, still use nitrogen flow,about all manufacturers want at least 5%.

 

+1 on that

 

i have used it a lot on 22 systems but havent on 410-a not sure how it would hold up

 

We use it on R22 installs. Fine if done right. But there for a while, we had some installers who didn't do it right. I'd hate to see them with a real hot torch either!

 

Stay Brite 8 is NOT SOFT SOLDER. In fact it's stronger then Sil Phos because the lower brazing temp does not aneal the copper.

The problem with Stay Brite 8 is that it's rather unforgiving to field work. You need a perfectly clean joint, just the right amount of flux (one drop on a Q tip) and just the right amount of heat. The reward for this is a stronger joint and no need for a nitrogen purge and risk of scale.

Sil Phos seems much more forgiving to brazing technique and less then optimal conditions. It's also easier to inspect the filet on a Sil Phos vs. Stay Brite joint.

I think Stay Brite 8 is better for new installs while Sil Phos is better for repairs.

However check local codes and manufacturers recommendations.

 

The problem with Stay Brite 8 is that it's rather unforgiving to field work. You need a perfectly clean joint, just the right amount of flux (one drop on a Q tip) and just the right amount of heat.

That's why I don't recommend it. Too many "been doing this for 20 years experts" that won't do it right.

 

With no nitro drift stay brite is a better solution. I have seen many systems assed up from too much torch heat and no drifting

 

i think the stuff is great when in tight spots where brazing temp could be a real fire threat.

i have to ask. Those that are using it on 410-a how does it seem to fair up against the higher presure? Have there been any recall problems with it?

reason for asking is as we all know some times you wind up a few inches from a wall or siding where brazing would be dangerous and the lower more controlable heat would be ideal

 

I have used it for years on both 410 and 22 with no problems. The only issue I have heard of (besidides the lame comments with no actual facts) is if there is a fire, the lower melting point makes it more dangerous for the fire fighters. I don't know if this is a real problem or just more internet speculation though.

 

The next time I swap out a reversing valve , I'm using stay bright 8

 

Two installed today. First Bryant 5 years ago, lots of AMANA 14 SEER, no leaks as of today. 2866 lb pressure at Harris school before copper split, not at joint. No compressor problems from flux.

 

What kind of flux do you guys use with Staybrite 8

 

I think they have a stay bright brand flux ( stay clean) that you buy to use with it. I don't think it's any different than the flux I use when plumbing

 

Never a problem with it, but the joints need to be clean and the fit has to be good. Use the recommended StaClean flux, and just a *little bit* will do the job.

It is difficult to get the temperature right to use the plastic range and fill in gaps with StaBrite 8, which is very easy to do with 15% brazing rod.

No need for nitrogen, which is very nice for those situations where multiple connections can't be avoided.

Some areas *require* brazed joints for fire safety.

 

*

when i stay brite, i make a big acidy mess, cause i use the liquid acid flux

before i solder and right after i solder i splash a little acid on it

and it becomes a very clean seal, basically like a mirror finish

though like i said it is messy, i never seen anyone else doing it like this

my staybrite joints are sweeeet, but cleanup is a pain in the arse

copper to brass you cant beat staybrite,

if you have no staybrite you can heat the hell out of the brass then the 15% works ok



.

 

do the guys who use stay brite on new installs bother to read the install manuals that say joints are to be brazed???



or do they just pick and choose the parts they want to follow.

 

do the guys who use stay brite on new installs bother to read the install manuals that say joints are to be brazed???

YES

or do they just pick and choose the parts they want to follow.

YES

I know what it says in the manual and yes I choose to ignore that part.
I do not use stay brite for compressors though. I also rarely do a triple evac on new systems. I think the manual says something about that too.

 

I used Stay Bright 8 on a compressor change this year. I'll let you all know when it fails. Which it never will in the equipments lifetime.

 

Stay brite #8 is a filler material originally designed for loose fit fittings. Stay clean liquid or paste was originally designed by Joes Father and his shop was in downtown Cincinnati in 1930's. The flux had a patent for years so no one could copy. It was mainly used for car radiator repair/heater repairs and manufacturing. Stay brite and Stay Brite #8 were developed as a less expensive alloy for many different uses. Since it flows at a much lower temperature it was quite useful to the manufactures.

Manufactures soon found that Stay Brite was not to good on copper fittings that were not to Government spec and that lead to the development of Stay Brite #8. Number 8 has much better joint filling propertys.

Some Manufactures started to use Number 8 on evap and condensing units but after a short run they went back to the 5-10-15 percent sitck and now use Blockade welding rings for joints.

Joe's old company (he is retired) manufactures a product that Joe invented 6 years ago it is called Blockade alloy with no silver content. I tried a few pounds of the stuff and it works and in some cases it flows better than 15%.

J W Harris was bought in 2006 and has been incorprated into the Harris Products Group. Hopefully they will continue manufacturing the same quality products.

 

Staybrite #8

We like a lot of others have used staybrite#8 for years. No troubles and no complaints.

 

1) I don't use products on refrigerant piping that require acid flux unless I have to.

2) Every manufacturers installation instructions I have seen requires brazing the refrigerant line connections. Using Stay Brite is not brazing.