Earth clamps & positioning

[Chris598]

Just wondering if i need to improve my clarke 100e's earth clamp or improve the clamp position? Last week I had no spark & ended up moving the clamp, also not sure if its position or earth is enough and may be casuing some dodgy welds (its probably me tho..lol) - only welding car bodywork.

The clamp & wire are fine, although the standard large crocodile clip isn't super powerful - should I upgrade to something like this?.... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Welding-Earth-Clamp-200-Amp-Crocodile-Type_W0QQitemZ310140705762QQcmdZViewItem
although it doesn;t have "teeth".

Secondly whats the best way of getting a good connection, I just tend to clap it on what is available close to where I'm welding, any suggestions?

Ta
chris

 

[Hitch]

It needs to be paint and rust free really Chris.
Cheap ones are okay, but slightly better one are, well, better, for £2, you will probably notice a difference.
Bad earth can often be blamed for troubles.

 

[rtbcomp]

I prefer screw clamps, there's some here: http://www.wwsgroup.co.uk/weldability/pages/results.asp?search_string=&subcat=EARTH%20CLAMPS&page=1

Make sure the metal you clamp to is shiny bright and clamp as close as possible to where you're welding. If you're welding different thicknesses clamp to the thicker piece because that's where you'll be striking the arc.

 

[Welderpaul]

It also important to make sure there is a good connection between the clamp and the cable. Always best to use a knock on or crimp on lug to ensure power is not lost heating the joint. Even with a sound connection here our cables get very warm at this joint after prolonged welding.

 

[Chris598]

thanks for the replies, all sound advice. I think i'll upgrade the clamp & ensure the position is shiny metal.

 

[Chris598]

I prefer screw clamps, there's some here: http://www.wwsgroup.co.uk/weldability/pages/results.asp?search_string=&subcat=EARTH%20CLAMPS&page=1

Make sure the metal you clamp to is shiny bright and clamp as close as possible to where you're welding. If you're welding different thicknesses clamp to the thicker piece because that's where you'll be striking the arc.

Just one point, do i need a lug to connect the wire which is currently crimped on the existing croc to connect the wire to either the screw type or better croc type clamp?

 

[tracer]

are the magnettic earth any good?

 

[greggpeg]

try existing bare metal

when i weld a car i use the boot striker to earth to if i'm near the back, the door strikers if i'm on the side or the earth lead off the battery if i'm near the front.you never weld with the battery connected anyway so this is a good option for the front end.because the striker parts are put on before the car body is dipped and painted the threads on the bolts holding them on make a great earthing point for the electric to flow around the body shell.i've always managed a good weld like this. hope this helps.

 

[Iain Westland]

.you never weld with the battery connected anyway

I do ...

Iain