News & Opinion March 25, 2021 1

Using Propane or MAP Gas for Sweating or Soldering Copper Pipe

BernzOmatic Quickfire torch sweating copper

When sweating or soldering copper pipe, we’ve been asked about using either propane or MAP gas. In truth, both types of fuel will get the job done. The main difference between propane or MAP gas is that the MAP is hotter. What that translates to is you will heat up the pipe quicker allowing you to solder faster.

The Case for MAP Gas Over Propane

If you can heat up the fittings quickly, you will actually be heating up less pipe area. This can make things better when working near valves.

Milwaukee 1-Inch Mini Copper Tubing Cutter

Also, since lead-based solder is not code-compliant for domestic water systems, the tin and silver-based solder take a little more heat to get them to flow. MAP gets the job done quicker for this as well.

There needs to be caution exercised because most torch heads designed for propane are not compatible with MAP gas unless clearly indicated on the torch head. Make sure you understand which tools to use before attempting to switch from one to the other.

MAP Gas Defined

The name MAP comes from the original chemical composition, methylacetylene-propadiene propane. You basically have a stabilized mixture of methylacetylene (propyne) and propadiene.

MAPP gas was a trademarked name, belonging to The Linde Group which came out of the Dow Chemical Company.

Tags: soldering iron

About The Author

Clint DeBoer

Editor-in-Chief

When he's not playing with the latest power tool, Clint DeBoer enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader—especially the Bible. He loves Jesus, has a degree in recording engineering, and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.

Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films & television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years.

Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint DeBoer dealt extensively with client management as well as film & video editing, color correction, and digital video & MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified.

After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades.

Crediting God and his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.