Twist grip or crocodile? Which one are you?

SiPMerlin150 · Nov 25, 2012

Was noticing, a lot of 'professionals' or big industry welders use those crocodile type of rod holders as opposed to the twist grip type that many of us use.

When I first began welding, I used a cheapy crocodile clamp type with my buzzbox and it was good as far as I could quickly release the rod from the welding circuit if that rod welded itself to the work piece (AC current woes!)

Eventually I upgraded to a 200amp twist grip and I like it for being able to bend the rods into the correct position. BUT I also like burning rods the the last inch to save wasting and when I do that they are murder to remove from the holder, so a pair of pliers in my pocket need to be carried. Also it slows me down..

What do you guys use/prefer?

Hitch · Nov 25, 2012

Twist, and a knock on its side to get the bit out.

My oil cooled set had a crocodile on it i think, thats the only one i have used for years.

Welderpaul · Nov 25, 2012

Twist grip. Much more robust; cope with site use better.
The 400 amp versions last us forever. If you burn the rod right down, untwist it and tap it on something to drop the stub end out.

backpurge · Nov 25, 2012

Twist type every time

gavuk · Nov 25, 2012

Twist for me too

wheresmejumper · Nov 25, 2012

the twisty 400amp esab one i got from weldequip has a nice feel to it

SiPMerlin150 · Nov 25, 2012

I've knocked two shades of doodoo out of mine and its beginning to get a little tired and eventually wanted to replace it... I wonder why so many big welders use the crocodile types then?

madkayaker · Nov 25, 2012

Cheaper for the supplier I bet

SiPMerlin150 · Nov 25, 2012

I thought they'd be on par cost wise, looking around on fleabay they are pretty much the same cost..

chrismac · Nov 25, 2012

Twist , not sure of the make but its a tidy sized black one not like the bigger cumbersum types you get.

Chris

pedrobedro · Nov 25, 2012

I have a twist grip now but the crocodile on my old welder had grooves for different rod angles so you didn't need to bend them to get what you like and was easier to drop the used rod into a bin.

PTvor · Nov 25, 2012

It's just a matter of personal preference.

With a twist type, you can bend the rod to suit. You haven't got the lever on the side, which can get damaged and is a nuisance if you are not used to it.

With the clip type, you can stick the rod in the end so it's in line with the body of the electrode holder, which I like. I've never found the grooves at 45 degrees much use.

I've seen a few clip types with the insulation broken off, so I'd say the twist type is more robust.

Drains · Nov 25, 2012

My only comment would be that I don't rate the generic yellow twist holder I have on one of my sets as it's not happy closing properly on small rods - , but I still prefer twist.

Weldequip's ESAB holders look the shizzle. I'd get one of them if I were you. (I'd get one if I were me! Oh, I am.)

On the other hand the twist grip ones tend to be limited in size, so if you're using big gouging rods you might want a crocodile type. You're not going to do any gouging though, are you?

zzr1200 · Nov 25, 2012

I'm currently using Weldequip's EASB 200 holder, I still prefer a high quality Snub Nose Holder but they are expensive. Cheap ones just don't grip small rods correctly or even allows them to fall out.

Paul G · Nov 25, 2012

What a coincidence. I have just ordered a crocodile off ebay.

I mostly only use MMA on site and every time I think, must order a croc when I get home.

When stuck up a ladder, handful of rods in one hand and that 'orrible yellow twisty thing in the other..... I'll say no more.

Paul G

spaf4 · Nov 25, 2012

Twist grip every time. They just feel better in the hand to my mind.

The Parweld 160 I've just purchased is supplied with a crocodile holder, but that's just got to go. I don't mind the cheapo yellow holders, but I admit they don't always grip a small electrode especially when they have had some use.

mike os · Nov 25, 2012

dont care.... but i dont do enough stick to form a proper opinion

dannyp · Nov 25, 2012

have both on dinzel connectors.

up ladders and for snagging work it's crocodile every time.

on the ground it's usally twist grip.
as for changeing rods on twist grips if i really need to crack on just put two torches on the welder and minion deals with changeing the rods also once got the hang of it you can pass the ark from one rod to the other without stoping so get a nicer looking weld
( obviously don't normaly do this but if fixing a ****up where time is the main prority it makes it much faster not haveing to change rods yourself )

SiPMerlin150 · Nov 25, 2012

My rod holder is a generic yellow twist gripper, and using the smaller rods on very rare occasions is a pain in the butt trying to get them to hold in there.

Mine is beginning to come apart at the seam (the head gripper bit) and the gripper bit inside is looking a little black and loose. Will still hold an electrode no prob, but having to twist it 1/2 dozen times to fit a 4mm rod in is a little slow...

I'll be getting a new earth clamp soon for my welder, mine has lost its strength in the spring.

keith19 · Nov 25, 2012

I've almost always used twist grip type and prefer them, they feel more chunky and solid in the hand. But I have to admit that the old croc type holder, that came with my buzz-box holds 2mm and even fairy little 1.6 rods much better, and much quicker to change. Still feels a bit "cheap" compared to the twist grip one though.

Twist grip or crocodile? Which one are you?

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Yeah, nah.

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