Harris
Bridgit Lead-Free Solder 1 Lb Spool
- SKU:
- BRGT61
- Availability:
- Usually Ships Same Day
- Weight:
- 1.00 LBS
Description
Harris Bridgit® Lead-Free Plumbing Solder – 1 lb Spool
Harris Bridgit® lead-free solder, part number BRGT61, is a premium nickel-bearing plumbing solder engineered for potable-water, commercial plumbing, and other applications where lead-bearing solders are prohibited. Its specialized tin-based formulation provides excellent joint strength along with a wide melting range that makes Bridgit® particularly effective on large-diameter fittings, irregular joint clearances, and ill-fitted or non-concentric pipe connections.
Bridgit® is designed to provide the familiar working characteristics needed to replace traditional lead-bearing plumbing solders while delivering a strong, lead-free finished connection. When heated to its approximately 630°F (332°C) liquidus temperature, the alloy flows readily into standard clearance joints. Its wider plastic range also allows the installer to fill larger gaps and build or “cap” the finished connection when required.
Product Highlights
- Professional lead-free plumbing solder
- Nickel-bearing formulation for increased joint strength
- Excellent for potable-water plumbing applications
- Wide melting range provides excellent gap-filling capability
- Well suited for large-diameter fittings
- Useful on ill-fitted and non-concentric pipe connections
- Flows readily into standard-clearance joints at liquidus temperature
- Can be used to fill gaps and cap completed solder joints
- Designed as a high-performance alternative to traditional lead-bearing plumbing solder
- ASTM B32 Alloy Grade HB
- Harris manufacturer part number BRGT61
Technical Specifications
Nominal Alloy Composition
Why Nickel Matters
Nickel is an important part of the Bridgit® formulation. Harris developed the alloy to provide significantly stronger soldered plumbing connections than traditional lead-tin and common lead-free plumbing solders.
The additional strength is particularly useful on larger fittings and piping systems where joint fit-up may not be perfectly uniform. Bridgit® combines this strength with a broad working range so the installer can handle both normal capillary joints and less-than-perfect fitting clearances.
Flow & Gap-Filling Performance
Standard-Clearance Joints
- Heat the joint uniformly to proper soldering temperature
- At approximately 630°F liquidus temperature, Bridgit® flows readily into standard clearances
- Capillary action helps distribute molten solder through a properly prepared joint
- Useful for conventional copper tube and fitting connections
Irregular & Large-Diameter Joints
- Wide plastic range helps fill larger clearances
- Excellent for non-concentric fittings
- Useful where joint fit-up is less than ideal
- Allows the installer to build or cap the finished connection when needed
Recommended Flux
Bridgit® requires an appropriate soldering flux. For best results, Harris recommends using Bridgit® Paste Flux, Stay-Clean® Paste Flux, or Stay-Clean® Liquid Flux depending on the application and installation requirements.
Flux helps remove light surface oxides, promotes proper solder wetting, and assists molten Bridgit® in flowing into the prepared joint. Always clean the tubing and fitting surfaces before applying flux and assembling the joint.
Common Applications
Potable Water & Plumbing
- Potable-water piping systems
- Copper water distribution systems
- Residential plumbing installation
- Commercial plumbing installation
- Copper tube and fitting connections
- Plumbing service and repair
Larger & Difficult Connections
- Large-diameter copper fittings
- Non-concentric joints
- Irregular fitting clearances
- Connections requiring additional gap filling
- Mechanical piping applications
- Maintenance and retrofit work
Why Choose Harris Bridgit®?
Many lead-free solders are highly fluid and perform best when tubing and fittings maintain very close tolerances. Bridgit® was formulated to provide the installer with a broader working range. This makes it particularly useful when working with larger fittings, older piping systems, or joints where clearance is not completely uniform.
Its combination of nickel-enhanced joint strength, good capillary flow, and gap-filling capability makes Bridgit® a versatile choice for professional plumbers who want one lead-free solder for both standard connections and more demanding fitting conditions.
Bridgit® vs. 95/5 Plumbing Solder
Bridgit®
- Nickel-bearing lead-free formulation
- 460°F solidus / 630°F liquidus
- Wide working range
- Excellent gap-filling characteristics
- Designed for large and irregular fitting clearances
95/5
- Traditional tin-antimony lead-free solder
- Narrower melting range
- More fluid during soldering
- Well suited for properly fitted plumbing connections
- Different working characteristics than Bridgit®
Compliance & Standards
Product Resources
Review current Harris manufacturer information, soldering instructions, flux recommendations, and safety documentation before final product selection or use.
Need Help Selecting Plumbing Solder?
Our GetPipe.com team can help compare Harris Bridgit® with 95/5, Sterling®, Stay-Brite®, and other Harris solder alloys, confirm potable-water requirements, select the proper soldering flux, and help with torches and related plumbing supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harris Bridgit® solder used for?
Bridgit® is a lead-free plumbing solder designed for copper piping, potable-water systems, residential and commercial plumbing, and applications where lead-bearing solder is prohibited.
Is Bridgit® solder lead free?
Yes. Bridgit® is formulated as a lead-free plumbing solder. Harris lists BRGT61 to NSF/ANSI 372 lead-content requirements and identifies Bridgit® for potable-water plumbing applications.
What is the diameter and package size of BRGT61?
Harris part number BRGT61 is approximately 0.118 in. diameter solid solder wire supplied on a 1 lb spool.
What temperature does Bridgit® solder melt at?
Harris lists a solidus temperature of approximately 460°F (238°C) and a liquidus temperature of approximately 630°F (332°C).
Why does Bridgit® contain nickel?
Nickel is incorporated into the Bridgit® formulation to increase soldered joint strength, helping produce strong plumbing connections even in larger or less-than-perfect fitting assemblies.
Does Bridgit® require flux?
Yes. Bridgit® should be used with an appropriate soldering flux. Harris recommends Bridgit® Paste Flux, Stay-Clean® Paste Flux, or Stay-Clean® Liquid Flux for suitable applications.
Can Bridgit® be used on large-diameter fittings?
Yes. Large-diameter fittings are one of the applications Harris specifically identifies for Bridgit®. Its wider melting range helps the alloy fill larger or less-uniform joint clearances.
Can Bridgit® fill loose or irregular fitting clearances?
Yes. Bridgit® is designed to fill gaps and cap joints effectively, making it particularly useful on ill-fitted or non-concentric piping connections.
What ASTM classification does Bridgit® meet?
Harris lists Bridgit® as ASTM B32 Alloy Grade HB.
Is Bridgit® suitable for drinking-water plumbing?
Yes. Harris markets Bridgit® specifically for lead-free plumbing and potable-water applications. Harris documentation lists NSF/ANSI 372 lead-content compliance, and Harris plumbing literature identifies the alloy as certified to NSF/ANSI 61.
What is the difference between Bridgit® and 95/5 solder?
Bridgit® is a nickel-bearing, tin-based lead-free solder with a wide 460°F–630°F melting range that provides excellent gap-filling capability. 95/5 is a tin-antimony solder with a much narrower melting range and different flow characteristics. Bridgit® is particularly useful when fitting clearances are larger or less uniform.
Can Bridgit® replace traditional 50/50 plumbing solder?
Bridgit® was developed as a lead-free plumbing alternative with flow characteristics that allow it to perform many of the applications traditionally handled by lead-bearing solders while meeting modern lead-free plumbing requirements.
Important Soldering & Safety Notes
- Clean tubing and fitting surfaces thoroughly before assembling the joint.
- Use Bridgit® with an appropriate Harris soldering flux.
- Apply flux according to the flux manufacturer's instructions and avoid excessive application.
- Heat the fitting and tubing uniformly rather than applying the flame directly to the solder.
- Allow the properly heated joint to melt and draw the solder into the connection by capillary action.
- Do not overheat the solder, flux, tubing, or fitting.
- Remove flux residue after soldering where required by the flux manufacturer's instructions.
- Verify all applicable plumbing codes and potable-water requirements before installation.
- Soldering fumes and heated flux can be hazardous. Provide adequate ventilation.
- Wear appropriate eye, hand, and body protection during soldering operations.
- Keep combustible materials away from the work area and follow applicable hot-work procedures.
- Review current Harris technical and safety documentation before use.
