In the process of performing welding operations, the master uses special devices that increase the safety and convenience of work. Directly manipulating the electrodes is carried out through the holder. This is a kind of retainer that can hold and guide the functional element, an electric current is supplied to it. Since this is a responsible installation procedure, in which each operational characteristic is important, the welding tool must be selected carefully and taking into account all technical parameters.
Appointment of the device
The general task of the holder is to mount the coated electrode, however, the device and operational characteristics also provide for other nuances of the use of welding consumables. The latch should also contribute to the release of the cinder on the surface of the electrode, and this process is performed without bias at the clamping point. The fastening itself must be carried out in several positions, but in one plane. Optimally, if 2-3 clamping points are stably maintained. At the same time, regardless of the mounting configuration, the electrode holder should not impede the full melt of the functional coated consumable during arc formation and support. For ease of handling cable wiring, manufacturers also provide fixation units for power lines. Now you should familiarize yourself with the design of the tool.
The main types of welding holders
Clamp-clothespin - the most common design for reliable fastening of the electrodes, which can be spring and lever. The base is formed by a handle with a current-protective coating, and the working part is implemented as a clothespin clamp. The operator in the process of work independently holds the wire in the grip zone, controlling the fastening handle. Trident plugs are also in high demand. A typical holder device for a semiautomatic welding machine in this design is based on the same handle, and the holding is ensured by metal pins. The design is simple, functional, but in terms of reliability and ergonomics, this is not the best solution.
Collet holders are less popular, but this option will pay off when working with argon-arc burners. In this case, the fixation is ensured by a threaded connection with the supporting element. That is, a holder for this type of welding machine serves screw torches. Choosing the appropriate option for the construction should be based on the parameters of the electrode itself and the conditions for performing work manipulations. The paramount requirement is to ensure optimal contact with the consumable without burning the retention zone.
Features of sleeveless holders for the welding machine
This tool eliminates the formation of cinder and saves time on fixing the electrode. These advantages are achieved thanks to a special design, which does not provide for clamping the consumable, but its welding to the end of the rod. Therefore, during the welding process, the coating completely melt. The surface of the holding rod is initially coated with an electrical insulator, which makes the flameless welding holder more reliable and safer. Some modifications in order to increase the speed of updating and tacking the electrode are provided with special glasses, in which several ends of the electrodes can be contained. A graphite or copper plate is provided at the bottom of the tank, and the side parts are protected by ceramic tiles with holes.
Fixture Features
A variety of designs determines the spread in the technical and operational performance of the holders, but there are also extreme values approved by GOST. For example, the length of the protected area of the handle should be at least 11 mm, and the average cross-section is in the range of 36-40 mm. The size of the latch also affects the ability to work with electrodes designed for different levels of current. The initial range is 200-300 A. Electrode holders with a cross section of 36 mm work with such indicators, and models for 400-500 A, respectively, should have a diameter of about 40 mm. Consideration should also be given to materials for the construction. They also determine the ability to work with different indicators of amperage, and resistance to negative environmental factors. The combination of heat-resistant steel and high-strength corrugated plastic will protect the working base of the holder from both thermal effects and frost, if the work is done outdoors in the winter.
Manufacturers and prices
The initial segment is the products of Sibrtekh, Caliber, Svarog and other domestic manufacturers. Under these brands are standard and simple in design models of clothespin holders, the cost of which is 200-300 rubles. In the middle class, more reliable and durable devices from Resanta, Elitech, SANTOOL and others are represented. These are decent-quality products that are also suitable for professional use. Prices range from 400 to 600 rubles. Especially for responsible work in production and in construction, it is worth purchasing holders for welding from brands like Foxweld and Blue Weld. These devices can cost 1000-1500 rubles, but their overall quality, endurance and advanced functionality deserve high costs.
Conclusion
Safety is the main condition for carrying out welding activities, regardless of the type of equipment used. Therefore, before using the holder for the first time, its electrical strength should be checked. Using a multimeter or specialized instruments for measuring resistance, current and voltage, the resistance of the handle and the fixing part are tested. If the welding holder meets the parameters specified in his passport, then the design is in good condition and work activities can begin. There is also the practice of using home-made clamps: as a rule, the trident design is chosen as the most simple. But it is in the interests of safety that experts do not recommend using this method of electrode retention.