Electrode Holder recommendations please

[Robert Mullins]

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.

MYKING, MYKING TYPE, every time, one moving part, no spring to become annealed or break, no pivot holes to wear and break;
I recollect that the 'shortstub' type electrode holders were advertised as allowing the usage of the whole electrode, and also supposedly remaining cool during usage; I've had them so hot that i wasn't able to continue, and threw it into the tide to cool

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

The GYS one turned up...fitted it today.

It makes a blooming huge difference vs the crocodile one the welder came with....it is a bit on the heavy side so I've ordered the 200A one which hopefully will be lighter.

I have to say it really made a big difference on starts and restarts....only burned one rod so far to test....will see how it goes.

Am I allowed to say I prefer the 2.5mm sifttrode rods to the 3.2mm bohler!...maybe I need to burn a few more before I decide (I've mostly used the 2.5mm up to now). I fine the 2.5mm a lot more controllable for the stuff I'm doing (8mm steel).

 

[Bornfree]

The GYS one turned up...fitted it today.

It makes a blooming huge difference vs the crocodile one the welder came with....it is a bit on the heavy side so I've ordered the 200A one which hopefully will be lighter.

I have to say it really made a big difference on starts and restarts....only burned one rod so far to test....will see how it goes.

Am I allowed to say I prefer the 2.5mm sifttrode rods to the 3.2mm bohler!...maybe I need to burn a few more before I decide (I've mostly used the 2.5mm up to now). I fine the 2.5mm a lot more controllable for the stuff I'm doing (8mm steel).

On 8mm thick steel I would be using 3.2s

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

On 8mm thick steel I would be using 3.2s

I'm thinking the same...I only burned 1 rod to test so I think I need to give it a bit more of a chance. There is definitely a lot less slag with the 3.2 vs the 2.5 that's for sure

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

On 8mm thick steel I would be using 3.2s

Having burned a good half a dozen 3.2s I would say you were spot on...they seem to burn hotter and produce a nicer looking weld (now I'm sort of getting the hang of them).