Electrode Holder recommendations please

[ned]

Hi all, I learned how to arc weld 20 years ago using one of this type of holder, and am comfortable with it.

but it's starting to get on my nuts because I put the electrode in, twist it, it's still not caught, so I have to twist it again. Every time.

Whats the nicest electrode holder please, or what are some of the best electrode holders?

I see the Myking and the ESAB Handy holders, I like the Myking but wonder will it behave the same as my current twist-type,

I dont like the yellow on the ESAB.

The Myking looks cool, I think.

 

[Vambo]

Much prefer the crocodile type with the trigger part under my thumb so if a rod sticks can release it quickly. Not fussed about colours - have an esab one and think it looks cool with the yellow!!

 

[zzr1200]

Expensive but my personal choice...

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAAegQIBhAC&usg=AOvVaw0jhwvaIV3KlGt4WKDZRWIj

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bernard-...668837?hash=item3f74b093a5:g:07gAAOSw2xRYkE~I

 

[waddycall]

I have the esab one and much prefer over the crocodile clip type.
The yellow makes it easy to see where I’ve thrown it.

 

[ned]

Thanks for the recommendations!

I have a croc style one but never got on with it, so swapped it out for the twist style, instantly felt more at home.

I reckon they all use the same twist mechanism? Don't imagine its something I can put wd-40 on..

 

[Richiew]

I prefer the twist ones like in your first post. They come in different sizes/amperages. Maybe buy the next size down for a better grip. The first one I bought was stupidly overspecced and wouldn't properly grip anything less than a 3.2. I think it was rated to 400 amps.

 

[waddycall]

Thanks for the recommendations!

I have a croc style one but never got on with it, so swapped it out for the twist style, instantly felt more at home.

I reckon they all use the same twist mechanism? Don't imagine its something I can put wd-40 on..

The mechanism on the esab one is really simple. No mechanism really. Just the end cap clamps the rod to the contact on the end of the threaded bar.

 

[waddycall]

The esab one has two holes - one at 90 degree to the handle and one at 45. I believe some talented types put two rods in at once and switch over when the first runs out.

 

[sardine]

I hate the crocodile ones because the electrode can move or if it sticks you can't pull it off quick, I like having it clamped right down so its not going anywhere.

 

[Mark 2]

I have the 600 amp yellow twist.
I'll let you know if a job comes in that pushes the amperage limit.

 

[mdr]

I have a few. I do like the twist style (like the one in the first post with the red handle). I cannot get on with the MyKing twist style though. Wanted to but I find it's fiddly and hit and miss on getting the electrode secure. Don't like the cheap croc-style clamps - maybe pay more and you get one where the electrode doesn't wobble about in the teeth.

I bought this one a while ago...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/GYS-500A-Welding-Electrode-Holder/dp/B002P8BRBG

It's a little big perhaps for my hobby welding but it ticks a few boxes for me and is a very nice clamp. Rock solid - almost hurts your fingers to open it. The stick is not going anywhere; you can change diameter of electrodes without the extra twists; you can release the electrode when it sticks (I mean if!).





There are smaller electrode holders with the same clamp style. Just google the phrase: "optimum electrode holder" and change to image results to get an idea. I did get one; it broke immediately at the handle - I mean I didn't even get to use it. Maybe I got a poor example.

 

[Memmeddu]

I'm a crocodile style fun
I would like to try twist lock but I think that crocodile is much useful
You can use it for carbon arc or Tig clamping a terminal ,I think you can't if using a stringer or the twist style

 

[mdr]

I...you can't if using a stringer or the twist style

That's true and a limitation. I think I remember watching a chuckE2009 video where I saw him doing - I think it was scratch TIG - and clamped the electrode holder on to a brass lug. I'd go back and watch it again but he's nuked his channel.

 

[jimbo84]

I know the better welders don't stick the electrodes but I've often wondered how you release the stick quickly if it sticks with the twist type holders? Only ever had the croc style ones and there's quite a bit of arc burns on the contacts on mine

 

[mdr]

I've often wondered how you release the stick quickly if it sticks with the twist type holders?

I can answer this from first-hand experience! Since the electrode is stuck, when you have a croc style one you pull away while squeezing the clamp to release. When you have a twist style you pull away and rotate your wrist (just a fraction is all that is required) and it comes loose.

An hour of welding and I have stopped developing my rod angle, arc gap, and travel speed and switched to practicing a quick draw electrode removal manoeuvre.

 

[Memmeddu]

That's true and a limitation. I think I remember watching a chuckE2009 video where I saw him doing - I think it was scratch TIG - and clamped the electrode holder on to a brass lug. I'd go back and watch it again but he's nuked his channel.

Search welding instructions ,some of his videos still available there (YouTube)

 

[mdr]

Search welding instructions ,some of his videos still available there (YouTube)

Probably on another channel.

 

[Brad93]

Myking are some of the best ones you can buy, still bloody annoying though.

my ESAB handy was ******* me off the other day not holding the rods properly.

I might go back to crocodile style.

 

[Memmeddu]

Probably on another channel.

The Channel Is named "welding instructions"
All chuckE instructional videos and review still available there

 

[mdr]

Myking are some of the best ones you can buy, still bloody annoying though.

my ESAB handy was ******* me off the other day not holding the rods properly.

I might go back to crocodile style.

Have you seen the ESAB Prima range? I may get one of those next...

https://www.esab.co.uk/gb/en/products/ppe-accessories/accessories/eco-holder-prima.cfm

I only need a 200 amp version and it looks like it uses the same clamp style as that GYS 400/500 amp I posted pictures of but being 200 amps it should be smaller/lighter.