Harris
Sterling Lead Free Solder 1 Lb Spool
- SKU:
- 331755
- Availability:
- Usually Ships Same Day
- Weight:
- 1.00 LBS
Description
Harris Sterling® Lead-Free Plumbing Solder – 0.118 in., 1 lb Spool
Harris Sterling® lead-free solder, part number 331755, is a premium solid-wire plumbing solder designed for potable-water, residential, commercial, and general plumbing applications where lead-bearing solder is prohibited. Sterling® combines a low solidus temperature with high tensile and shear strength to produce dependable lead-free soldered connections on properly prepared plumbing joints.
The Sterling® formulation contains no lead, antimony, or nickel and uses a tin-based alloy containing copper and a small amount of selenium. Its broad working range provides useful flow and gap-filling characteristics, allowing the installer to handle standard capillary joints as well as connections that may require additional filling or capping.
Product Highlights
- Premium Harris lead-free solid-wire plumbing solder
- 0.118 in. diameter wire supplied on a 1 lb spool
- Designed for general plumbing and potable-water applications
- Lead-free, antimony-free, and nickel-free formulation
- High tensile strength of approximately 7,130 psi
- Shear strength of approximately 5,970 psi
- Wide working range provides useful filling and capping characteristics
- Excellent flow on properly cleaned and fluxed plumbing joints
- Meets ASTM B32 Alloy Grade TC
- Listed to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and NSF/ANSI 372
- Meets applicable lead-content requirements for lead-free plumbing
- Harris manufacturer part number 331755
Technical Specifications
Nominal Alloy Composition
Common Applications
Potable Water & Plumbing
- Potable-water piping systems
- Residential copper plumbing
- Commercial copper plumbing
- Water distribution systems
- Copper tube and fitting connections
- Plumbing installation and repair
Service & Mechanical Work
- Copper piping repairs
- Mechanical piping connections
- Maintenance applications
- Retrofit plumbing work
- Connections requiring lead-free solder
- General copper and compatible brass soldering
Flow & Working Characteristics
Sterling® is formulated with a relatively low solidus temperature while maintaining a broader working range. This allows the solder to flow into properly prepared capillary joints while also providing the installer with additional control when a connection requires filling or capping.
For best results, bring the tubing and fitting uniformly to soldering temperature before applying Sterling® to the joint. The heated base metals, rather than direct torch contact with the solder wire, should melt the solder and draw it into the connection by capillary action.
Recommended Flux
Harris recommends Water Soluble Plumbing Flux for Sterling® when soldering copper and brass plumbing connections. Harris identifies its water-soluble plumbing flux to ASTM B813 for suitable plumbing applications.
Apply only a light coating of flux to cleaned tube and fitting surfaces. Excess flux should be avoided because unnecessary material can collect inside the piping system. After soldering, remove residual flux as required by the flux manufacturer's instructions.
Recommended Soldering Procedure
- Cut and properly deburr the copper tube.
- Clean the tube and fitting surfaces to remove oxidation and contamination.
- Apply a light, even coating of compatible plumbing flux.
- Assemble the tube and fitting fully.
- Heat the fitting and tubing evenly with an appropriate air-fuel torch.
- Bring the connection to soldering temperature before applying Sterling® wire.
- Allow the heat of the joint to melt and draw the solder into the connection.
- Allow the joint to cool naturally and clean residual flux as required.
Why Choose Harris Sterling®?
Sterling® is designed for installers who want a strong, lead-free plumbing solder without antimony or nickel. Its approximately 7,130 psi tensile strength and 5,970 psi shear strength provide excellent mechanical performance for properly prepared soldered connections.
Its broad working range is also useful to professional plumbers because it provides both capillary-flow performance and enough working latitude for filling and capping joints when necessary.
For potable-water projects, Sterling® provides the additional benefit of recognized NSF potable-water and lead-content compliance.
Sterling® vs. Bridgit®
Sterling®
- Tin / copper / selenium alloy
- No antimony or nickel
- Approximately 7,130 psi tensile strength
- 419°F solidus / 660°F liquidus
- Excellent general-purpose potable-water plumbing solder
- ASTM B32 Grade TC
Bridgit®
- Nickel-bearing tin alloy
- Contains antimony
- Designed for exceptional gap filling
- 460°F solidus / 630°F liquidus
- Especially useful for large and non-concentric fittings
- ASTM B32 Grade HB
Compliance & Standards
Product Resources
Review current Harris manufacturer information, soldering procedures, flux recommendations, and safety documentation before final product selection or use.
Need Help Selecting Lead-Free Plumbing Solder?
Our GetPipe.com team can help compare Harris Sterling® with Bridgit®, 95/5, 97/3, Stay-Brite®, and other Harris solders, confirm potable-water requirements, select the proper flux, and help with torches and related plumbing supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harris Sterling® solder used for?
Sterling® is designed primarily for general plumbing and potable-water applications, including residential and commercial copper tube and fitting connections.
Is Harris Sterling® solder lead free?
Yes. Sterling® is a lead-free plumbing solder. Harris also formulates Sterling® without antimony or nickel.
What size is Harris part number 331755?
Harris part number 331755 is 0.118 in. (approximately 3 mm) diameter solid solder wire supplied on a 1 lb spool.
What is Sterling® solder made from?
Harris lists Sterling® as approximately 4–5% copper, 0.04–0.20% selenium, with the balance primarily tin.
What temperature does Sterling® solder melt at?
For Harris part number 331755, current Harris plumbing literature lists a solidus temperature of approximately 419°F (215°C) and a liquidus temperature of approximately 660°F (349°C).
How strong is Harris Sterling® solder?
Harris lists Sterling® with approximately 7,130 psi tensile strength and 5,970 psi shear strength.
Does Sterling® solder require flux?
Yes. Harris recommends a compatible plumbing flux. For copper and brass plumbing applications, Harris specifically recommends its Water Soluble Plumbing Flux meeting ASTM B813.
Is Sterling® suitable for drinking-water plumbing?
Yes. Harris lists Sterling® for general plumbing and potable-water applications and identifies the solder to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and NSF/ANSI 372 requirements.
What ASTM classification does Sterling® meet?
Harris Sterling® is classified as ASTM B32 Alloy Grade TC.
Does Sterling® contain antimony or nickel?
No. Harris identifies Sterling® as a lead-free solder formulation containing no antimony or nickel.
What is the difference between Sterling® and Bridgit® solder?
Sterling® is a tin-copper-selenium lead-free plumbing alloy without antimony or nickel. Bridgit® is a nickel-bearing alloy formulated with especially strong gap-filling characteristics for large, ill-fitted, or non-concentric connections. Both are lead-free plumbing solders, but they have different chemistries and working characteristics.
Can Sterling® be used to fill or cap a solder joint?
Yes. Harris describes Sterling® as having a melting range that is useful for filling and capping soldered connections while still providing good flow in properly prepared plumbing joints.
What torch can be used with Sterling® solder?
For typical plumbing work, Harris recommends an air-fuel hand torch using propane or MAP-Pro®. When additional heating capacity is needed, an air-acetylene Harris Inferno® torch can provide higher controlled heat input.
Important Soldering & Safety Notes
- Clean and deburr tubing before assembling the solder joint.
- Remove surface oxidation from both the tube and fitting before applying flux.
- Use an appropriate Harris plumbing flux; Sterling® is not self-fluxing.
- Apply only a light coating of flux and avoid excessive material inside the piping system.
- Heat the tube and fitting uniformly before applying solder.
- Do not melt the solder solely with direct torch flame; allow heat from the joint to melt and draw the solder.
- Avoid overheating the solder, fitting, or flux.
- Remove flux residue after soldering as recommended by the flux manufacturer.
- Verify applicable plumbing codes and potable-water requirements before installation.
- Soldering fumes and heated flux can be hazardous; use 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.