The Bernzomatic NS3 brazing rods are 12-inch nickel-silver rods sold in a 2-pack. Retailer listings give a tensile strength of 60,000 to 85,000 psi and a working temperature of about 1,680 to 1,700 degrees F, and say they join carbon and alloy steels and unlike metals such as nickel and brass. They suit small steel, brass and nickel repairs, but not aluminum.
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Bernzomatic NS3 Brazing Rods: Listed Specs
These figures come from retailer listings and were not tested here. Check the packaging and Amazon page before you buy.
| Item | Per the listings |
|---|---|
| Filler type | Nickel silver, sold as a brazing/welding rod |
| Length | 12 in |
| Pack size | 2 rods |
| Tensile strength | 60,000 to 85,000 psi |
| Working temperature | About 1,680 to 1,700 degrees F |
| Base metals | Carbon and alloy steels, plus unlike metals such as nickel and brass |
| Diameter and flux | Listings differ, so check the Amazon page |
Who Should Buy These Rods
- Good fit: hobbyists and shop users repairing steel brackets, bike frames, furniture, railings or small brass and nickel parts.
- Look elsewhere: if you need to join aluminum, do low-temperature soldering, or need more than two rods for a larger job. Buy a bigger pack or a different alloy for those jobs.
How to Braze With NS3 Rods
- Clean the joint down to bare metal. Remove paint, rust, oil and scale.
- Fit the parts tight with a small, even gap so the filler can flow in.
- Heat the base metal, not the rod. Bring both pieces to temperature evenly.
- Touch the rod to the joint once the metal is hot enough that the filler melts on contact, and let it flow into the gap.
- Let the part cool, then clean off any leftover flux residue as the packaging directs.
At roughly 1,700 degrees F the metal has to get hot. A small propane torch can struggle to bring larger steel parts to that temperature, so check the packaging for the recommended torch. MAP-Pro or oxy-fuel gives more headroom for thicker work.
Safety
Braze in a well-ventilated area, since flux and heated metal give off fumes, and wear safety glasses and heat-resistant gloves. Keep flammable material away and never braze closed containers. See the OSHA page on welding, cutting and brazing for workplace guidance.
Pros and Limits
- Pros: listed tensile strength of 60,000 to 85,000 psi, joins steel plus nickel and brass, and a low price for a 2-pack per retailer listings.
- Limits: only two rods per pack, needs high heat, not for aluminum, and no hands-on testing was done for this guide.
For other filler options, compare our reviews of the Bernzomatic WB5 bronze rods and BCuP-2 brazing rods.
Related guides: Bernzomatic WB5 Welding Rod Review | BCuP-2 Brazing Rods Review: 2 mm Rods for HVAC | Brazing vs Welding: When to Use Each on Auto Body Metal
Frequently Asked Questions
What metals can the NS3 rods join?
Listings say carbon and alloy steels, plus unlike metals such as nickel and brass. They are not for aluminum.
How many rods come in the pack?
Two 12-inch rods per pack according to retailer listings. Larger projects may need several packs.
What temperature do they need?
Retailer listings give a working temperature of about 1,680 to 1,700 degrees F, so you need a torch that can bring the base metal to that heat.
Can I use a propane torch?
It may work on small parts, but propane can struggle with thicker steel at this temperature. Check the packaging for the recommended torch and consider MAP-Pro or oxy-fuel for larger work.
Do I need flux?
Check the Amazon listing to see whether the rods are flux coated or need separate flux, since listings differ. Follow the instructions on the package.
