AbstractBrazing of hot work steel with nickel‐based filler metals is a widely used process for manufacturing casting tools. However, the formation of brittle phases in the joint impairs its mechanical properties. Reducing these intermetallic phases is an important aspect. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations are used to estimate the change in melting range and apearance of intermetallic phases by adding different amounts of molybdenum to Ni 620. The filler metals are then produced and their solidus and liquidus temperatures are investigated using differential scanning calorimetry. Specimens of X37CrMoV5‐1 are then brazed in a vacuum furnace and their microstructure is analysed by scanning electron microscopy/electron dispersive spectroscopy and their hardness properties by nanoindentation. The addition of molybdenum to the Ni 620 filler metal leads to the formation of chromium molybdenum boride rich phases and reduced hardness values in brazed joints. Manipulation of Ni 620 by molybdenum helps to improve relevant properties in brazing hot work steel.