Frequently asked questions


What can I fix with Simple Welding Rods?

You can easily fix a range of non-ferrous metal parts. Examples include:A/C lines, condensers, pin-holes in aluminum boats, propellers, truck beds, diamond plate/checker plate, loading ramps, docks, cylinder heads, irrigation piping, engine blocks, transmission housing, rims, storm doors, ladders, tools, thermostats, radiators, oil pans, motorcycles, bell housings, pontoons, molds, and more.

What is the melting temperature of Simple Welding Rods?

The melting point is 728°F (387°C)

How many rods are in a standard pack?

You get 10 Simple Welding Rods per pack. If you are working on large or multiple projects we recommend buying in bulk. The more packs you purchase in a single order - the lower the price per pack.

How much do Simple Welding Rods weigh?

1 pack (10 rods) = 6 oz (approx. 170 grams).

4 packs = 1.5lb (approx. 6803 grams).

9 packs = 3.3lb (approx. 1530 grams).

 

How can a rod that is so easy to break by hand create such a strong joint?

It's simple. The rods are actually a proprietary blend of different metal powders. The powders are molded into the form of a rod by a process called "sintering". This is why they won't bend, they will break. But they will also melt easily to create a bond that is stronger than the parent metal.

Will Simple Welding Rods work with any metal?

  • Simple Welding rods work best with Aluminum/Aluminium, Cast Aluminum, Aluminum Alloys ,and Zinc.
  • They will also work well with Copper, Brass, Pot Metal and most other non-ferrous (non-magnetic) metals.
  • Simple Welding Rods do work with Galvanized Steel (see next question).
  • Simple Welding Rods do work with Magnesium However this is not something we recommend.Magnesium has a self-ignition point that is relatively close to the melting point of the Simple Welding Rods [883°F (473°C)]. Magnesium auto-ignition may easily happen if you are unable to precisely control the temperature.
  • Simple Welding Rods will not work with Stainless Steel, Steel, Iron or any other ferrous (magnetic) metal.

Can Simple Welding Rods be used on galvanized steel?

Yes. There are limitations though. The rod material will only bond to the galvanized layer. This means the strength of the join will be limited to the strength of the bond between the steel and the galvanized layer. We advise performing tests on galvanized parts before undertaking a large galvanized steel project.

Is this process welding, brazing or soldering?

Truthfully It's all of them and none of them at the same time. These rods are unique. 

The process is definitely not fusion welding, but the bond strength is similar to a fusion weld.

The term "welding" describes joining metal parts. 

More than 30 different types of welding exist, and they range from simple oxy-fuel to high-tech processes such as laser beam welding. However, only four welding types are used commonly, and they are MIG, TIG, Stick and Flux-Cored arc welding.

What most people refer to when talking about "welding" is "fusion welding", and yes, fusion welding does require parent metals to be melted.

This process is more similar to brazing and soldering, but produces much stronger joint that is more comparable to a fusion weld than a soldered or brazed weld.

What are Simple Welding Rods made of?

The product is a combination of aluminum, copper, magnesium and zinc.

What kind of torch do I need?

You need a Propane, Butane or MAPP torch.

You can also use oxygen-acetylene if available, especially when working on a very thick or large parts.

Do Simple Welding Rods contain Lead, Cadmium or Tin?

There is no lead, cadmium or tin is present in Simple Welding Rods.

Are Simple Welding Rods hazardous?

No. Simple Welding Rods are not classified as a hazardous material.

Can I work on food grade materials and equipment with Simple Welding Rods?

We do not recommend the product for use with food grade applications. Many food grade applications are fine. However, there are types of acidic foods that should not be on or near the repaired area. Controlling this is difficult. So we make the general recommendation not to use the product on food grade materials and equipment.

What makes Simple Welding Rods unique?

Our product is unique because it works for both soldering and welding applications. Simple Welding Rods melt at low temperatures (like traditional solder filler), but achieve high bonding strength (like a welded joint). 

Simple Welding Rods create bonds that resist high pressures.

Will Simple Welding Rods repair a crack, hole, rivets, prop or mast on my boat?

Yes, easily!

Can I repair pot metal?

Yes, no problem.

Do Simple Welding Rods work on pot metal, zinc, copper and galvanized parts?

Yes it will work on all of these. 

Simple Welding Rods work on all non-ferrous alloys including aluminum alloys (even those which cannot be welded), zinc, die cast, pot metal, copper, bronze, nickel, titanium and galvanized parts.

Will the product work on aluminum that has been anodized?

Yes it will. Anodized aluminum is just a aluminum with a coating over it (of another metal that has pores). 

The Simple Welding Rods material penetrates those pores and then penetrates the aluminum to establish its strong bond.

Can Simple Welding Rods be anodized or chrome plated?

Yes, after the repair with Simple Welding Rods it can be anodized or chrome plated.

Are Simple Welding Rods drillable or machinable?

Yes, after it's melted the rod material is fully drillable or machinable with standard bits.

Why are Simple Welding Rods better than all the others on the market?

After we introduced Simple Welding Rods, a lot of dropshippers and “pop-up stores” saw an opportunity to sell similar products. They started offering different kinds of aluminum or solder wire pieces and marketing them like our Simple Welding Rods. 

Please, do not confuse Simple Welding Rods for “copycat” products. 


Simple Welding Rods are a unique stand-alone product not available in any other stores (currently only available for purchase directly from us). 


Our sintering process from the proprietary blend of different metal powders are the secret to our products success. This is why the Simple Welding Rod easily penetrates into the pores of the aluminum or other porous metals (most of the non-ferrous metals). 


Simple welding rods break. They do not bend like the copycat products out there.

Perform the “break test” to quickly help you identify a genuine Simple Welding Rod.

See our customers testimonials and videos for more about the differences with our product versus competitors.  And of course - Best to try our product for yourself! That way you can see for yourself just how unbelievably good they really are!

What are the steps to using the rods?

Clean the base metal with a stainless steel brush, file it or use sandpaper (this will also open its pores). Heat the aluminum to 728 degrees (or above). Test the temperature with the rod, it will start flowing when the temperature is achieved. Scratch the rod around the area to be repaired. Let the repaired area cool naturally (letting it cool down naturally is very important in order to maximize the strength of the finished joint).

Can I get a free rod or sample to try before purchasing larger packs?

At certain times, we do offer a free sample pack. 

You'll just have to cover the cost of shipping and handling.

Could Simple Welding Rods be used to fabricate?

Yes, Simple Welding Rods could be used to fabricate (just make sure you follow the instructions). 

Simple Welding Rods are the strongest brazing rod in existence. In many applications Simple Welding Rods produce a stronger result than TIG welding. 

We do recommend a sleeve or bolt is used (for extra safety precautions) on joints that may have tremendous stress. 

Please contact our support for help on difficult brazing situations.

Are Simple Welding Rods stronger than common welding types?

In many cases, Yes. 

We have proven in shops that our material is stronger than welding and TIG welding on several applications. However, there are a lot of variables. It can depend on what kind of wire or filler is being used (and the proficiency of the person using the TIG welder. 

The same holds true with our product. Users that follow the directions (precisely), will get the most strength out of a repair. 

Consider this – Our rods and a TIG weld both produce a result stronger than the conventional aluminum if applied correctly. This is really all you need.

However, the benefit with our material you do not have to pay $3,500 to $25,000 for the machine and other equipment. Not to mention the special training! 

Anyone who follows the instructions and practices a little, can become quite efficient at using Simple Welding Rods.

Are the applications of Simple Welding Rods machinable?

Yes they are. After completion the material will be slightly harder than aluminum. It is fully machinable (without clogging your bits).

I have an old Outboard engine that has a ¼” hole in the top of the head near the spark plug. I would like to avoid dismantling the engine to get to the inside. Can your product be used to repair this damage?

The answer is yes. Here is how:

Level the head, open the surface pores, heat till our material starts to melt on the head, add material around the outside perimeter of the hole and tin, and then cover the hole. 

Our material has such elasticity; it will stretch across the hole without falling in the hole. 

If you watch the video, read the simple steps, and first practice on another piece of cast, you will be an expert in 15 minutes. If there are any gaskets within a few inches heat sink clay can be used to protect.

Can I braze 1/4 inch or 1 inch holes on my boat?

1/4 inch is no problem to bridge once you learn how the material flows. 

However, a 1 inch hole will be difficult unless backed with steel. If backed with steel any size hole can be repaired. Although this is very difficult if attempted vertically. In this scenario we recommend brazing an aluminum patch in the areas of 1 inch holes. Best to rivet a piece first then braze to seal.

Can I repair from the underside of a boat or car?

We do not advise overhead use. The rod liquifies when heated, so it can easily drop and cause harm or injury. 

If you are repairing an oil pan, we recommend taking it off and repairing upright.

My welder said the cracks on the bottom of my boat cannot be repaired, is that true?

This is true with conventional welding (which would just blow holes through the thin aluminum). 

With our material you are not heating as much as a conventional weld. The application is more similar to brazing, which is performed at a much lower temperature. Because of this, you will easily be able to repair all cracks or leaks on your boat.

Does your product work on all aluminum?

Simple Welding Rods work on every kind of aluminum ever tested. 

We have (by far) the finest brazing rod developed anywhere on the planet!

What temperature level causes aluminum to melt?

It takes 1218 degrees (659°C) to melt the aluminum. Simple Welding Rods to melt and penetrate the aluminum at 728 degrees (387°C).

Can I use a propane torch for all repairs?

Use propane for holes up to about 1/4 inch. 

For thicker aluminum use MAPP gas. 

If it is a housing (like a transmission) or a larger mass of aluminum, use oxy-acetylene.

Can I repair a cast aluminum housing with Simple Welding Rods?

Yes, easily. In most cases with larger housings your best heat source will be oxy-acetylene.

What equipment will I need to use the Simple Welding Rods?

Just a heat source like propane or MAPP gas. We recommend MAPP gas, which comes in a yellow canister (instead of blue), and is about 400 degrees hotter. It's only a little bit more expensive than propane. You will also need a turbo torch head.  

If your aluminum is thick, like an engine head or transmission housing, or very large like a diesel fuel tank or boat over 15 feet long use oxy-acetylene with a rose bud or neutral flame tip.

What if I have to keep an area cool while I do the repair?

We recommend going to your local welding shop and picking up some “heat sink clay “ that will sink over 1000 degrees (538°C) of heat. On average it costs about $12.00 USD.

Can I repair an engine block or an aluminum head?

For sure! There are a lot of machine shops that use our Rods in situations like this.

Can I repair my engine or transmission without taking it apart?

It's definitely best if you take the housing apart.

If there is paint on the outside of a part I’m working on, do I have to remove it?

Yes, you should remove the paint so you do not breathe in the fumes. 

If you choose not to, the flame will burn it off.

Paint traces may decrease the quality of the joint.

Will your material work if the aluminum part is anodized?

Yes, it will penetrate easily.

Can the rod material re-melt after it has been applied?

The material can re-melt - But only if heated up to or over the melting point of the rod.

However, this usually doesn't happen since the melting point is high enough not to ever occur during the majority of standard applications (under normal use conditions). 

If you plan to use it on an engine block, make sure you execute the process exactly as per the instructions. In an engine block, the material won't remelt because the maximum allowed the operational temperature of the engine is way lower than the melting point of the rod material.

Will your material work to repair aluminum heads in a combustion area?

Yes it will.

Under normal operational conditions - If the aluminum heads ever reach or exceed 500 Degrees for any length of time you would blow the engine. 

The combustion gasses and the coolant dissipate heat at such a rapid rate that the aluminum in the combustion area never even reaches 300 degrees. 

Always be sure to read the directions for Simple Welding Rods so you can master your torch and the penetration of our rods before starting your actual repair.

if you need tech support we provide lifetime tech support with your order. 

(WARNING: Do not ever use Simple Welding Rods in combustion areas where nitrous and top fuel are being used)

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