During renovation or construction welding work always in demand. The main component is the electrode holder for the welding machine. Regardless of who will perform this work, craftsmen or amateurs, all safety requirements and regulations must be observed with optimal convenience and simplicity. The key to comfortable work can be a high-quality trident electrode holder for a welding machine.
Classification of electrode holders
The main task of this tool is to secure the electrode, supply the operating current and provide full control during the welding process. From this it follows mandatory requirements , which apply to such equipment:
Development welding equipment and the required equipment also influenced the holders, which were also modernized and developed, expanding the range of electrode holders presented on the market.
Mainly welding machine holders can be divided into specialized and universal, the production of which is regulated by GOST requirements:
Along with the above options, there are also specialized holders that are intended to create certain types of seams and products. Such models include holders for several electrodes simultaneously or for working under the voltage of a three-phase arc. The main difference is the large weight and complex design, which classifies such models as specialized and not widely used. Each master individually makes the choice of the necessary equipment, based on personal needs and working conditions.
Key nuances for making the right choice
Choice correct holder- a very responsible occupation, which determines how safe and comfortable the welder’s work will be. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
Specifications
Very important point functionality should be tool compliance welding power of the machine. When choosing a holder with a lower operating current, it may fail with further destruction. In the opposite situation, when choosing a holder with a reserve, difficulties in work, excessive physical exertion and inconvenience during work may arise. Therefore, it is imperative to choose a holder that matches the power characteristics of the welding machine and the range of electrodes that will be used to weld parts.
Dimensions
For comfortable work the tool should be as compact and lightweight. Excess weight and the safety margin will not affect short-term welding work in any way, but during long-term work it can cause severe discomfort and muscle strain with a subsequent decrease in the quality of the weld. The aggressive operating environment of the tool must be compensated by a calculated safety margin to prevent premature failure. The body, handle and insulating elements are usually made of plastic with a high degree of insulation.
Professional craftsmen recommend choosing a tool with a massive cast clamp, which, unlike type-set plate clothespins, is not subject to heavy wear. Maximum reliability screw type, in which the electrode is fixed using a clamping screw. By securing it in one position, reliable contact is ensured.
Price policy
The choice of different holders on the market is very large. Prices can vary from 100 to 10 thousand rubles. It should be taken into account that cheap models may not be structurally different from expensive branded ones. The price can only be justified by the use of the most quality materials with proper fitting and installation of parts. But even so, the expensive model is not designed for long-term and active use by craftsmen over several work shifts.
Cheap and simple models They will justify themselves in everyday life for one-time work by novice craftsmen who do not have serious requirements for the tool and are not ready to invest large sums in it.
Additional tips include the recommendation to purchase a spare holder, which can help out in case of unexpected failure of the main tool. Do not forget that the holder not only implies its correct use during work, but also appropriate care. The tool must be lubricated with moving elements, not subjected to excessive exposure to aggressive environments, properly stored and transported, and the contacting surfaces must be cleaned to prevent them from burning due to poor contact. Thanks to this, the holder is sure to last a long time.
DIY making
You don’t have to look for the tool that best suits your requirements in a store. To learn how to make a welding holder with your own hands, you need to study the required information, have the material and the tool.
The trident is considered a classic in welding production. There is no such master who would never use it. It consists of three pieces of reinforcement arranged in a triangular pattern. The role of an insulating element is performed by a piece of rubber hose. Sometimes rag tape was used.
The main features can be identified simple design, but with low safety and comfort during operation. To remove the electrode cinder, you will need an additional tool. When working with such holders, the electrode is almost completely used. But due to the poor-quality surface of the reinforcement, on which oxides form, the contact for the flow of operating current is very poor. To create normal contact, it is necessary to periodically process the reinforcement with a file.
The electrode collet clamp can be made from any available material, but the process will require time and effort. Ready product It turns out to be quite reliable and easy to use. To make such a holder for a welding machine with your own hands, you will need a metal plate and a screw clamp into which the electrode will be inserted and clamped.
Doesn't happen for work. Even such a seemingly insignificant detail as a holder for a welding machine should provide high-quality electrode retention and convenience.
For welding machines The following designs can be used.
Pin
An electrode holder of this design (spring or lever) is the most common and simple product.
The price of the clothespin holder is the lowest in comparison with parts of other designs. The use of this type of holding device allows you to quickly and safely perform welding work, while the quality of the weld will always be at a high level.
Fork trident
A simple device that makes it easy to fix any diameter.
Great care should be taken when using a trident due to the large uninsulated area of the product.
The main advantage of a holder of this design is the ability self-made.
Collet
It is used exclusively when welding metal in a protective gas environment.
The device has a long service life and correct use allows you to perform work of the highest quality.
Non-burning holder
This type of device allows you to perform work using almost 100% of the length of the welding electrode. The flameless holder consists of a cylindrical handle (2), into which a metal pin (1) is mounted on one side.
The electrode is fixed by welding its end part to the contact pin.
Screw
Screw-type electrical holders secure consumables well, have good contact and uninterrupted power supply.
The contact surfaces have an anti-corrosion coating. At correct operation The device will last for many years.
How to choose the right electric holder
When selecting a holder, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Size and weight of the device. The weight and dimensions of the holder are very important. When working for many hours, the extra 50 grams of the device will be felt. In this case, it is better to purchase a compact and lightweight design. If you have a choice, give preference to light and small parts, provided they have the same characteristics.
- Specifications. The holder must match the current strength. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in burnout of the contact part. When contacts burn further use device will not be possible. You can determine whether a device belongs to a category based on current strength by the markings that are applied to the non-replaceable part of the product.
- Quality of insulating material. To ensure safe performance of work, you should select a holder with a high-quality insulated handle. Plastic of sufficient thickness is used as a dielectric in almost all parts to reliably protect the welding machine operator from the effects of electric current.
- Price. You can buy a holder for a welding machine from 100 rubles, but the quality of a cheap model will not differ. Branded copies sell for several hundred dollars, but for everyday work there is no need to purchase holders at that price. It is enough to purchase a product in the middle price category to provide yourself with long time high-quality tool for welding metals.
An inexpensive device can be purchased as a spare part. If the main device fails, if you have an additional holder, you can continue working without a serious time delay.
The best holder models
To purchase an electrode holder for a welding machine and not be disappointed in its quality, you should choose models that have been used by welders for a long time and do not cause negative emotions in them.
Negative reviews most often occur about Chinese-made products, but low-quality products may come from domestic market and from other countries.
1. ESAB Handy 200 (200 A) - is in great demand among professional welders.
The part has high performance characteristics that do not decrease throughout the entire period recommended by the manufacturer. The product was made in Sweden, so you can count on European quality.
The Handy 200 weighs 550 grams, but given the good insulating coating and high-quality clamp, the slight increase in the weight of the holder compared to other models is quite justified. Handy 200 is a screw holder, which allows you to perform welding work efficiently and safely.
When using the device, you can weld metal with electrodes with a diameter of 2.0 to 4.0 mm. The cost of the product is Russian market about 500 rubles.
2. Sibrteh 500A - inexpensive, but quality tool domestically produced, which can be used up to 500 A.
The Sibrtech 91455 500A holder is a clamp-type device in which the working electrode can be replaced quickly.
The product has reliable insulation made of plastic, which can protect the operator from electric current. You can buy it for 300 rubles.
3. ESAB 500 is a holder from a well-known Swedish company that has been producing high-quality products for more than 100 years. The esab electrode holder can be used for welding work with currents up to 500 A.
The main advantage of ESAB 500 products is their ultra-light weight, which is only 200 grams. The cost of the product on the Russian market is about 3,000 rubles.
4. Germany type 300 A - ideal for welding with currents up to 300 A and electrode diameter 2 - 4 mm. Thanks to the special corrugated design of the device’s handle, it is possible to achieve a reliable hold in the hand. The model is distinguished by high-quality plastic insulation and relatively low weight.
An electrode holder for MMA welding is a device designed to hold a piece electrode and supply electric current to it.
Good electrode holder:
- provides reliable fastening of the electrode and the ability to quickly change the exit angle of the electrode;
- guarantees full electrical contact;
- ensures quick replacement of the electrode.
- lightness is not the last parameter that you need to pay attention to. At the end of the working day, with a heavy electrode holder, your hands will fall off.
Normal weight is from 350 grams for a current of 125A to 750 grams for a current of 500A.
Helpful advice: you should not buy an electrode holder with a power reserve, based on the common misconception that it will last longer. In fact, professional electrode holders can exactly withstand the load they claim, but only if you purchased a branded product.
The most common types of electrode holders:
- spring;
- screw (or clamp)
The most popular at present are universal electrode holders, which, thanks to a spring-loaded clamping mechanism and specially designed brass or copper jaws, allow the electrode to be placed in various spatial positions. The welding holder body, handle and moving parts must be made of high-quality insulating and thermal insulation materials. It can be plastic or ceramic plastic.
Due to the large influx of low-quality products from China into the welding equipment markets, when purchasing an electric holder it is recommended check its live parts with a magnet. It often happens that they are made of steel, on the surface of which there is a copper-like coating. It is recommended to subject the grounding terminals to the same magnetic testing procedure, so as not to end up with a device that will quickly overheat and burn out during welding.
Beginners in welding often ask the question: why buy a new power holder if when purchasing welding inverter Does it already come with everything you need for welding?
The answer is very simple: Often, the electric holder that comes with the welding machine quickly breaks down, regardless of whether you use it in production or occasionally cook at home. Usually this is the KV-200 model. Due to the fact that cheap materials are used for its manufacture, the first thing that fails is the pressing jaws, which burn and do not provide reliable fixation. The electrode begins to dangle, which gets on the welder’s nerves and affects the quality of the welds.
By the way, the quality of the remaining components, especially when it comes to cheap welding machines for home welding, etc., as a rule, leaves much to be desired. This also applies to welding cables. Resanta's cable is completely aluminum, which may look fantastic, but it really is. The cunning Chinese put a copper coating of several microns on it so that when you remove the insulation, the forgery will not be visible, but this should not mislead you. Make a notch with a knife and you will see that there is light metal in the core. Questions also arise about the length of the cables and their rigidity. But this is a topic for a separate article. It is better to buy all components separately.
Let's get down to specifics...
- Well-known German company . Primarily known for its burners for argon arc welding, which are widely used. For manual arc welding, BINZEL has a simple range of four electrode holder models spring type DE 2200, DE 2300, DE 2400, DE 2500 “KURT HAUFE”, similar to each other like two drops of water and differing only in current strength (from 200 to 600A), respectively, weight and dimensions. They are reliable, made of high-quality materials that provide the necessary mechanical and thermal properties and provide fixation of the electrode in four positions. The KURT HAUFE series is very popular in the welding market, so be careful!
- Swedish industrial company Esab. Eco Handy, PRIMA series. Electrode holder screw type provides more reliable fastening of the electrode. It is fixed in the mounting holes without play: in the 90 degree position in the end hole and in the 90 and 45 degree position in the hole located on the diameter.
Minus: the electrode holder is a bit heavy, but this is its only drawback. Included: a powerful hexagon and a copper plate with which the cable is wrapped and crimped.
- Telwin. They are cheaper than previous brands, although sellers position them as Italy. But we know where they make products that cost less. Although the quality is acceptable. There are high-quality insulators that do not burn even at currents of more than 300A during prolonged operation, the fastenings do not loosen. Of the minuses: heavier than the same ABICOR BINZEL
- Electrode holders Eagle/Falcon. From Trafimet, Italy. In our humble opinion, he is one of the best representatives of his species. There are no complaints about the fittings and fastenings. A definite plus: light weight, fits comfortably in the hand.
DIY electrode holder
Holder "Trident"
When raising such a topic, it is very difficult to ignore the “trident” option, which every self-respecting welder assembles for himself. Its design is simple and uncomplicated, so it is difficult to resist the temptation to make it with your own hands, some kind of creativity, to which, undoubtedly, the soul of every real welder lies. At the same time, you will be able to independently evaluate all the pros and cons of a homemade holder, and you will only have yourself to blame for poor quality assembly. This folk art is also suitable for those who do not like factory holders.
There are many assembly methods. Let us present the simplest of them.
The body of the holder (trident) is made by bending reinforcement (or rod) made of carbon steel with a diameter of 8 mm (6 mm is possible, but it burns out quickly, you can take a diameter >8 mm). As experience shows, eight lasts longer and is more convenient to work with.
Next, a tube is made like a terminal, divided into two parts, one part crimps the cable, stripped of insulation, the second holds the cable insulation. All this is welded to the trident. This operation is the most critical, since unreliable contact leads to heating. The insulator (for example, a piece of reinforced hose) is put on hot. To prevent the insulator from loosening, you can use, for example, Done Deal, a high-strength anaerobic thread locker.
Holder "Corner"
It has a similar design to a trident; why it is called that is clearly visible in the photo. Disadvantage: in the trident, all the clamps are spring-loaded, but in the angle version, the entire load falls on one central rod.
Plus: no need to hit or scratch, the electrode is removed with the next electrode and you always know where it will fly.
“Trident” VS factory electric holder
According to some welders, a more reliable holder simply does not exist. Others prefer to keep up with the times and purchase a factory holder. Let's try to compare them and come to a common opinion, which is better for welding?
Advantages homemade holder:
- Minimum manufacturing costs;
- Does not require careful handling and is not afraid of falls from a height;
- If you have to weld painted metal and there is no way to clean it, for example, with a grinder, then this can easily be done with the holder itself.
Flaws:
- Prohibited in production;
It is clear that no one will inspect us what kind of holder we use, however, this gives us something to think about, since due to its bareness there is a high probability of electric shock, especially in damp weather or when working with wet metal.
- The design limits the options for attaching the electrode because sometimes you have to clamp the electrode strictly vertically in order to reach hard-to-reach places;
- Replacing the cinder in a trident also leaves much to be desired, since in some cases it is even dangerous (when you knock out the electrode, you don’t know where it can fly - it can easily hit the eye);
- There is a high probability of shorting on the structure. This is especially tragic when repairing structures sheathed with corrugated sheets. The slightest touch of the electrode holder on the corrugated sheet will result in an instant burn, which will ruin the appearance.
At home, you can make a good screw holder from a copper tube, which air conditioner installers always have in abundance in the form of scraps.
In our case, this is a ¾ pipe (ø outer = 19 mm). You can use steel, but we do not recommend it - it is very heavy and has poor conductivity electricity. Due to the high resistance, the steel will become very hot. The handle can be made from metal-plastic pipeø int. =20 mm; ø adv. =26 mm (but it is better to use a rubber hose). She will be worn on copper tube and close it completely.
To prevent metal-plastic from slipping in your hands, you can wrap it, for example, with a piece of leather cut from an old jacket or an outdated welding glove. Next, you will need an M12 anchor bolt with a hole drilled through, which will be glued into the cap of a plastic bottle.
You can use it as glue epoxy resin. This is done for safety, in order to completely isolate the holder from electricity.
A homemade holder made from reinforcement cannot be compared with the data in terms of insulation quality or thermal conductivity!
The KOG cable is inserted into the tube from the cut side together with rubber insulation and crimped.
What is the difference between COG and CG? KOG is a highly flexible cable; KG is simply flexible. In KOG, the veins are a little thinner and there are more of them, due to this it is more plastic and mobile.
The handle should be made a little longer so that the cable does not break.
A bolt with an anchor nut is driven into the tube and soldered with copper-silver solder to improve contact.
If you have a brass or copper bolt and nut, that would be absolutely gorgeous! True, you still need to look for one... But if you have a suitable rod and a familiar turner, you can turn it all out very quickly. The operation will not take much time.
To fix the handle, a hole is drilled on it. A hole is also drilled on the tube and a thread is cut for the screw. You can also simply glue the handle.
The screw holder is made for small diameter electrodes, maximum 3.2. The electrode holds very well, nothing hangs loose. If you don't like the location of the electrode at 90°, you can bend it to a more convenient angle.
The electrode holder turns out to be very small, compact, lightweight and, most importantly, absolutely electrically safe! You can throw it anywhere, something you would never do with a rebar fork!
Holder – main tool in the hands of a welder, so take his choice most responsibly!
We already know the conditions of a simple welding machine and a welding electrode. Let's continue the topic of welding and homemade welding machines and consider a method for making your own holder for a welding machine.
Let's watch a video on making a homemade holder
So, before we start work, let's prepare necessary materials and tools:
- half-inch tube;
- plate 30x30 mm;
- two twigs 6.5 cm long;
- workpiece in the form of wire;
- PVC plastic tube;
- two transition rings;
- screw;
- bolt.
Separately, it should be noted that important factor is the use of stainless steel, since stainless steel does not oxidize, does not rust and conducts well welding current. Therefore, the author advises using stainless steel elements in the process of making a homemade holder. Let us also explain that two rods can be cut from old welding electrodes, and the workpiece can be knitted from a piece of the same electrodes.
Now that you've sorted out the materials, you can start assembling. Let's start by assembling the inside of the holder. To do this, take a stainless steel tube and saw it lengthwise to the thickness of the plate. The depth of the cut should be approximately 3-4 mm so that the plate holds firmly. For more stability, you need to weld the base of the plate.
Then we move on to the next stage. We take pieces of electrodes. We cook the straight pieces on the sides of the plate, and the spring piece in the middle. A small cut on one of the side pieces is also required. This is necessary so that the electrode can be inserted into the holder more easily and stay more stable.
Let's proceed to the next stage of making a homemade holder. Now we need to secure the cable. To do this, take a nut and bolt. To do this, we need to drill a hole in the side of the tube and attach a nut there. In order to secure the cable, you need to insert it, stripped, into the tube and tighten the bolt, tightening the cable.
Finally, let's start making the holder handle. We put the rings on the tube and stretch the PVC tube onto the stainless steel tube. The rings also need to be welded to the stainless steel tube.
To arc connect metal objects, you cannot do without special equipment. Today we will tell you what a welder needs to be provided with, and also share information on how to create a homemade electrical holder.
Fork and screw electrode holder: varieties
Electrical holders are necessary to ensure fixation of the electrode and to provide voltage access to it, as well as to enable various manipulations during the welding process. This tool must meet some important requirements, such as allowing instantaneous electrode changes without long pauses. The same applies to the removal of cinders, for which it is necessary that its length be minimal.
It is necessary that the equipment holder is secured as efficiently as possible during the welding process in any position: both at the required angle and perpendicularly. Naturally, it must withstand heavy loads, be easy to assemble, durable and comfortable to work with. All types of devices are available for a rated current with a maximum of 500 A, and the weight of the equipment ranges from 300 to 750 grams. The handle of the holder must be insulated with special thermal and electrical materials that are designed for protection.
Exist different kinds equipment. The most famous is the screw-type electrode holder, which has a fairly simple design, but is distinguished by its quality and practicality. There are other types of equipment: pliers, forks, lever devices - they differ in their use and, of course, capabilities. For example, pliers are used for welding and fusing seams at a voltage of no more than 500 A, and the clamping is carried out between the lever and the current-conducting jaw.
I am pleased with the ease of use of the tool, because even the removal of cinder is carried out by simply pressing the lever. Alas, tools are quite expensive, as is their repair, and therefore many savvy craftsmen try to make a spare tool with their own hands. But no matter what type of device you choose, the tool must be safe to use and have easy operation. The design of the tool must meet the following requirements:
- High-quality fastening of electrodes;
- Possibility of instant replacement of electrodes;
- Light weight;
- Ability to carry out work in hard-to-reach places and under any conditions;
- 100% insulation of the entire instrument.
How to make an electric holder with your own hands?
There are several options for creating electrical holders - you will have to choose an option based on certain requirements and your personal capabilities. In any case, it will take you literally a few hours to create this tool, but you can save a lot of money.
Do-it-yourself instructions:
- To create the first electrical holder we will need a piece of copper or metal pipe 25 cm long. On one side we weld a metal plate with a cross-section of 3x2.5 cm to it; it is best if it is made in the shape of half a ring with a diameter of 5-6 cm with a curved edge. On the second side, the pipe must be flattened; a hole must be created in it using a drill. Through this hole we will attach the tip of the welding cable using an M8 bolt. A part of the durite hose is installed on top of it.
- We make the second device from a pipe approximately 30 cm long. On both sides, at a distance of about 3 cm from the end, we use a hacksaw to create a recess; its depth should be no more than 1.5 cm. In order for you to be able to press the electrodes to the holder, be sure to Using a notch, we weld a small metal wire, the diameter of which should be approximately 0.6 cm. The second side is also intended to create a hole (diameter about 0.8 cm). Using an M8 screw and terminals, we attach part of the cable to the holder. We put a rubber hose on top, selecting it according to the inner diameter.
- To create the next tool, we use a metal corner 3 cm long. So that you can clamp the electrode inside, we weld a spring wire on the inside of the corner, the diameter of which should be about 0.4-0.5 cm. C reverse side We drill holes for installing an M8 screw, to which we will attach the cable in the future, and put a durite hose on top. At one end of the corner, 1 cm from the edge, we drill a hole with a diameter of 0.4 cm. This is necessary so that we can quickly and conveniently change electrodes during work.
As you can see, the design is very simple, tested by specialists. Its key features are lightness, low weight, ease of use, strength and quick replacement of “waste material”. As practice shows, such electrical holders will be convenient and very useful during welding work even in the most cramped conditions.
It should be recalled, especially to beginners, that when working with similar devices you are required to take all precautions.
The main thing is to prevent short circuits from occurring during operation. This can be achieved by protecting the instrument from too much long work– It is advisable to take short breaks. Don’t forget about your safety - use all the required “ammunition”, which is worth talking about in a little more detail!
Uniforms for a welder – what should you buy?
Welding electrode holders – not the only thing you will need in the process of welding work. You should also take care of other accessories and equipment that may be useful to you. We will need a helmet and pads, preferably made of plastic. Choose devices with matte internal part, preferably black, and the helmet should have a comfortable headband and a body with a window, which will allow for a comfortable position.
You will also need light filters to help protect your eyes from radiation. They can be different types– it is best to purchase those that can withstand work with a current of up to 900 A. You also need to monitor the condition of the helmet with light filters – try to immediately replace damaged or worn parts. It is important to pay attention to the welder’s clothing.
So, overalls are a welder’s clothing that will protect you from hot metal splashes and harmful radiation from the tool. Workwear is represented by a set of trousers, jackets, boots and mittens, but if you rarely carry out work, it will be enough to purchase mittens and a jacket. Naturally, other specialist tools are also important. So, you can’t do without a brush, which is used to clean the welding area from rust and dirt - this work must be carried out before welding: to remove defective areas and seams, dried stains, use a chisel or a plumber’s hammer
It is important to store the electrodes correctly, for which you need to purchase a strong canvas bag. If you always have the clothing, tools and accessories listed by us in your arsenal, any welding work of any complexity will be carried out efficiently and quickly, as well as as safely as possible.
