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Soldering is a process of joining metal parts using a filler metal of low melting point (solder). Heat is applied to the metal parts, and the soft filler metal is pressed against the joint, melts, and is drawn into the joint by capillary action with the help of the appropriate flux material (which helps reduce oxidation of the metal parts and increases the strength of the bond). After the metal cools, the resulting joints are not as strong as the base metal, but have adequate strength, electrical conductivity, and water-tightness for many uses. Soldering is an ancient technique that has been used practically as long as humans have been making articles out of metal.

Soldering joins metals by fusion of alloys that have relatively low melting points. As a general rule, soft soldering provides a less strong joint than brazing. Soldering is used most frequently in plumbing, where the leak-preventing qualities of solder are more important than a strong bond.. It’s also used for connecting wires together where a good electrical connection is required.