Soldered a few copper joints today and having the right tools are always essential for a job. Here is what I keep in my soldering box.

Pipe Cutter I have different sizes for different size pipes and jobs. There is a little metal piece that is used to score the pipe where you want to cut and can be used to start your cut.

Next we have tools to clean the inside and outside of the pipe and joint about to be soldered together. My favorite soldering tool is this orange It make cleaning the outside of ½” and ¾” pipes a breeze and cleaning the inside of the pipe as well.

I also have a fire retardant cloth. This one has holes in 2 of the corners so you can hang it. This one has seen better days but does the trick on smaller projects.

Emery cloth is important for the final cleaning of any copper you are soldering too.

Flux and an application brush are next in the box. Be sure to use a clean brush for every application.

I have several different gauges of solder I keep in my box. Some contain lead and some are lead free. For joints involv

This pair of vise grips I use as a clamp to hold my soldering projects. Usually I am not near my vise or on a flat concrete surface so these bad boys come in handy. Also I have finally upgraded to a self igniting torch, otherwise you would need a lighter as well if you have a torch tip like the one on the right.

This kit always has what I need and has never let me down in a pinch. I keep everything in this nice little tool box.