Does anyone know if I can solder a loose handle on a stainless steel pot? It's one of my favorites, but the handle is so loose now it's getting dangerous. I don't really want to buy another pot this size.

If soldering isn't possible, is there another alternative that would be a satisfactory repair?

Thanks in advance -

-- peg (peg@futureandahope.com), December 03, 1999

Answers

per--

I don't think soldering would work very well; too weak. You can probably have it brazed back on, or even welded would be better.

Gerald

-- Gerald R. Cox (grcox@internetwork.net), December 03, 1999.

Right, stainless steel has to be welded. Don't use solder on food containers. It contains 40 - 60% lead.

-- js (js@justchecking.com), December 04, 1999.

Oh, rats. I was afraid this would be the answer, but I wanted to check before I take it (and a couple of others) down to the guy who only does these repairs "when he gets around to it." Maybe an extra monetary incentive would speed him up, who knows.

Thanks for the info -

-- peg (peg@futureandahope.com), December 04, 1999.

Peg, Hi!..It can be repaired, but the equipment required is probably beyond the average user...Read the info on the following URL..it starts with the welding of beer brewing equipment, the pots and pans are addressed near the bottom...get an expert but expect the repair to cost probably as much as a new pot (unless you know someon who is an experiencd MIG/TIG welder... :) ) Good luck and Good cooking!

Ray in OKC, OK

-- Ray (raymondo@prodigy.net), December 04, 1999.

Me again, Peg! DUH! Just noticed I forgot the URL..it's getting late...nitey night..

http://brewingtechniques.com/library/backissues/issue2.6/palmer.html

Ray in OKC, OK

-- Ray (raymondo@prodigy.net), December 04, 1999.

Dear Peg-- You might want to try JB Weld. I bought mine at NAPA but any auto parts store should have it. I actually would go for the brand name and not a generic. The stuff is fantastic. Costs less than $10.00. I have fixed pot handles, pot knobs etc. JB Weld can withstand heat where many other glues cannot. It takes awhile to set but the stuff is tough. Has fixed many a teenager's truck around here! Pam

-- Pamela (jpjgood@penn.com), December 04, 1999.

Just for the record, you can solder stainless, but you must use silver solder -- regular solder won't adhere. But if you've never soldered before, the JB Weld might be a better solution. Or take it to a radiator shop and have them do it with silver.

-- solder (solder@guy.com), December 04, 1999.

Before you buy another pot, try putting a rivit through the handle. My DH fixed many a pot for me this way. Check out the rental places to rent a rivit gun, I don't know the price of a new one.

-- Carol (glear@usa.net), December 04, 1999.

I've brazed stainless steel a few times; no problem. It's almost as easy as soldering, but takes place at a higher temperature than soldering. I use oxyacetylene.

ALK

-- Al K. Lloyd (all@ready.now), December 04, 1999.

Another method is to spot weld it. Try a machine shop or sheet metal shop and ask if they have a spot welder. The operation shouldn't take more than a minute or two.

If you attempt to glue it make sure that the surfaces are clean. Clean them off as best you can with comet (or equivalent) and use ammonia to loosen up any other crud and remove any oils.

-- Duane (ducheran@creo.com), December 08, 1999.

Take it to the local commmunity colege or high school welding class. They enjoy working on projects for outside people, and it might even be free at the high school.

-- Ann M. (hismckids@aol.com), December 09, 1999.