Battens flux

Jewelry Discussion
1

Was: Specifics of soldering

I was studying privately with someone a couple of years ago, and she
used Battens Flux, which is a clear liquid. In the group classes at
a community college, the flux was always a white paste (borax, plus)
referred to here all the time. I’d like to know if anyone uses
Battens, and if not, why not. I kind of liked it and have bought
some for my home workshop. But I’m wondering if there’s anything in
particular that I should know about it. Thanks.

2 
I was studying privately with someone a couple of years ago, and
she used Battens Flux, which is a clear liquid.

I think the name of the flux you’re looking for is “Batterns Flux”
and it’s normally a fluorescent lime green. You must have been using
old Batterns Flux. Exposure to too much light turns Batterns Flux
clear. I use that as an indicator when to throw it out and order a
fresh supply. I can’t really speak to the effectiveness of using
Batterns flux that’s turned clear. With soldering that’s one
variable I can live without.

Rick Copeland
Silversmith and Lapidary Artisan

3

Hello,

Battens flux contains fluoride which is not healthy at all. Feel
free to use battens flux if you like, but be aware of the products
you use and more, know what chemicals can cause wenn used on daily
basis.

Have fun and enjoy.
Pedro

4

Unless you are using some knock-off product, it’a Battern’s. I’ve
used it forever, never use anything else, don’t want to. The paste
fluxes are good for heavy work and brass and such, and I’ll use them
when those situations occur. Otherwise, it’s Battern’s except that we
use Otto Frei these days. Essentially the same product, different
name.

5

Hello,

Perhaps you are referring to Battern’s Flux. It is a commercial
liquid flux that is self-pickling. It is not clear, but a rather
bright chartreuse color. I do like it and use it on all joints and
metals (gold, silver, copper), and solders. It can be appied with a
brush, but I prefer to use a small gauge needle and syringe - like
for insulin shots.

Judy in Kansas, where fall is gently falling… and do we deserve
lovely weather after suffering through that miserable summer!!

6 
Battens flux contains fluoride which is not healthy at all. Feel
free to use battens flux if you like, but be aware of the products
you use and more, know what chemicals can cause wenn used on daily
basis.

No despite the florescent green Batterns doesn’t contain fluorides.
It is sodium borate (AKA Borax) and ammonium chloride which is where
the “Self Pickling” attribute on the label comes from.

James Binnion

1 Like
7

Hello,

No despite the florescent green Batterns doesn't contain
fluorides. It is sodium borate (AKA Borax) and ammonium chloride
which is where the "Self Pickling" attribute on the label comes
from.

Not according this article where I found the answer James.

But for ones I believe you -))

Have fun and enjoy
Pedro

8

The MSDS for Batterns and many other common jeweler’s chemicals can
be found here:

alonzo

9 
Not according this article where I found the answer James.
http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive/200107/msg00067.htm

I got the ingredients from a current MSDS for Batterns. It is not the
first time I heard Batterns being referred to as having fluoride
compounds in it. In the distant past that may have been true but a
least in the past decade or so it has not contained fluorides as I
looked it up many years ago.

James Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

10

It is not clear, but a rather bright chartreuse color. Batterns color
can fade if exposed to the sun. But it still works fine.

Ronda

11

Whoops. I did mean Batterns, not Battens Flux. And true enough, it’s
not clear; it’s yellowish, a least this new bottle. The thing is, I
was “remembering” because I hadn’t even unpacked it yet from when I
ordered it months ago. And when I searched online, I did find some
people calling it “Battens”. Anyway, thanks to the people who
replied. If anyone else has experience with it, or an opinion about
it, I’d love to read more. Is it really so much more hazardous or
toxic to use than other fluxes?

Barbara in northern California

12

Hello James,

From mistakes I've learned and a wrong attitude is the birthplace
of stupidity, just speeking for myself.

Thanks for the correction.

Have fun and enjoy
Pedro

13

According to Batters’ safety data sheet it only contains borax, boric acid, and ammonium chloride - no fluoride. Being a safety data sheet, if it had fluoride they would be required to indicate the health hazard.