Imagine a situation where you are doing your stick welding and your rod keeps slipping from the holder. The clamp can’t hold tight and you can’t bend the electrode at the necessary angle. The worst-case scenario is the electrode holder heathens up.
I got you, right?
An electrode holder is as important as a welding machine. It is necessary to have the best electrode holder in your box so that your rod stays in place while welding. Some people consider it a tool but we recommend to consider it as a welding essential.
We have consulted with a group of experienced welders and discussed with them about their preferences that they follow when they buy new electrode holders. Based on that we have done our research and made a shortlist of the best 7 electrode holders in the market.
7 Best Electrode Holder Reviews
1. Tweco Arcair A-316 250 Amp Electrode Holder - Top Pick
It is an individually sold arc electrode holder from Tweco Arcair. It looks the most high quality out of the others. The building material makes this holder sturdy. The ergonomic design and the appearance of the stinger makes a good first impression.
It gets better when you get to know about the features of the holder. The clamp handle is a bit higher than the handgrip. You get a full range of motion which most of the brands don’t offer.
The spring being strong and the wire clamp holds the rod tight. The jaw patterns are efficient and positioned in 6 different positions. The ballpoint cable connection minimizes cable strand breakage. The electrode holder is fully insulated and can withstand up to 250A of electricity.
The top and bottom insulators are reversible. They are made of thermoset materials which makes them capable of withstanding high temperature.
It’s a relief that you will get extra insulators with this as a set. There are also new mounting screws in case for future usage.
We found the customers complaining about the quality of the extra screws. The manufacturing quality is really poor. If you find them the same, a hardware store run can be a good solution.
PROS
CONS
The conclusion we meet is, the A 316 is an outstanding 250amp electrode holder. It can prove to be a good investment if you use it wisely.
2. Stinger STV 002 Insulated Electrode Holder - Best For Heavy-duty Uses
If there is a mention of heavy-duty performing among electrode holders, then Stinger STV 002 stands 1st. It is one of the costly ones in the list. It is a USA-made equipment that is worth every penny.
Wondering why I said so?
The features of the stinger makes this the best deal to have. It is made of brass and steel. You are sure to get a long-term service from this insulated electrode holder.
The best part is, it holds any electrodes securely. The spring being strong the hold is strong and tight. The electrode doesn’t pop out no matter how hard you bend.
You will have the most comfortable and perfect grip because of the rubber handle. The V grip is reliable and strong.
The molded thermoset insulating cover set is a heavy guard and meets up the requirements of your welding projects. It is specially made of stick welding (SMAW).
The stinger can hold electrodes of almost all shapes and sizes. This is the best part of it. You can use it in your industrial tasks and imagine the level of efficiency you are going to get.
The amperage capacity is 0-350. The electrode capacity is 5 mil/ 3/16”. The cable capacity is 1/0 gauge. It is easy to operate and control. Even beginners can use it with ease.
The holder can self eliminate or prevent the arc burns that happen after the rod popping out. This is a specially made electrode holder specially designed for the purpose of stick welding. This stinger is found in all the shops that are related to the welding process.
The only problem with this stinger is that the rubber coating at the end of the opening lever wears off quickly. As a result, there is a chance of arcing out. If you can repair the issue you are sure to get a long time service from the holder. You can tape the area from the start and you might have to never look back.
PROS
CONS
At the bottom of this review, there is only one thing that can be said about STV 002 is that, it is one of the best electrode holders there is in the market. It is an excellent holder for pipe welding and definitely worth the money.
3. Lenco Model AF-25 Electrode Holder 250 Amp -Best Overall
The Lenco marine AF-25 is a 250AMP electrode holder that is made in the USA. The price is reasonable compared to the manufacturing quality of the holder. It is definitely better than what has come with your welder.
The AF-25 is made from high-quality copper alloy. This makes this the capacity for maximum conductivity and strength. You can replace any parts you want.
The stinger has a tight and strong spring as other electrode holders. The spring along with the clamp holds the electrode in place and prevents slippage. The spring is protected by a Lexan cup insulator.
There are two different versions depending on the cable size. Be sure to order the 1/0 cable version for smaller cables as the 2/0 won’t fit and have too much space as the nut will not crimp the cable tight.
It can hold 3/32 electrodes fine while welding, though the manufacturers say that it can hold 3/16” electrodes. It is sure to be a great upgrade compared to the holder you are using. Match the holder to the rod and amperage used for a great efficiency.
The insulators are made of fiberglass compounds which makes them capable of withstanding high amperage and impact. The upper level is fully insulated.
The handle is just great and well built. It feels good to hold it wearing gloves and the lightweight makes moving of the electrode in all positions easy.
This can be a great option if your plan is to take over heavy-duty projects. You will be welding in the mid-range of amperage settings.
PROS
CONS
It is to be mentioned that the AF-25 is a small size electrode holder. Still, the build quality and the manufacturing of the electrode holder capable enough to withstand and insulate heat and power. We didn’t find any complainants about it and this is why we think this can be considered as the best among all.
4. Lincoln Electric KH521 Electrode Holder - Best For Comfortable Uses
Lincoln Electric KH521 is an electric electrode holder. It is lightweight and constructed for long life. This is a dependable electrode holder in case of heat resistance and insulation.
In a word, this is a solid electrode holder. The highest capacity of it is 300AMP. You can easily deal with projects with high amp applications. You might find that your plastic shield is becoming a bit hot. This is okay and very common with all stingers.
The holder features copper tongs for high conductivity. This is also equipped with jaws and handles made from fiberglass. The clamp is short and this is why you get a long holding grip. This makes your working periods more comfortable.
Most electrode holders in the market have clamps that are longer, so it is a good sign that Lincoln KH521 is offering more room for holding. These strong handles are capable of holding your electrode in place. The hold will be so tight that you will be able to bend or move your electrode as per your need.
The model doesn’t have so many whistles or bells in it. It is sturdy, well made, and a high-powered electrode holder from Lincoln. The low price of it makes it affordable considering the other brands. If your budget is tight, then this can be a great deal for you.
Having such a lightweight can be a great benefit for your health. This will reduce fatigue during your long working days.
PROS
CONS
To sum up, this is a well-featured holder from Lincoln. The affordable price and good performance makes it one of the best electrode holders in the market. This is a great item with satisfying customer service.
5. Victor Thermal Dynamics Tweco Tong T316MC Electrode Holder - Best Value
This is an outstanding electrode holder from Tweco tong. They have manufactured so many high-quality electrode holders and this is not any different. The user-friendly features makes your work really easy and the tool is worth every cent.
Let’s begin with the connectors,
The Tweco connectors feature quick connections and changes among leads. This benefits a welder to a whole new level.
The quality of the electrode holder is top class than the other electrode holders in the market. The machine is traditional but has a tough bomb-proof spring. This makes it capable of withstanding 300amp. According to the manufacturers, it can run 3/16 rods. You can do the higher ones too.
The stinger is completely insulated with high-quality plastic. Being so, it can tolerate falls or drops like the others mentioned above. Though the plastic quality has improved over the years, it is still not comparable with the metal-made strong metal constructed holders.
The handle is extended to the jaw as a whole piece. This is a simple, solid, and effective construction. If you are careful about not dropping it. It will last long for sure.
There are 6 positional jaw patterns that allow the electrodes to angle the electrode at different angles. You can position the electrode in a vertical uphill position as well. The different shapes in the jaw makes this possible.
The handle is a good fit for your palms and in long-term work, you don’t feel fatigue. The top and the bottom insulations are reversible and made of superior thermoset materials. This ensures strength and durability in high temperatures. The full insulation system protects the spring.
You might find it hard to remove the handle to attach the cable as it is one piece. You have to use a hex screwdriver to loosen the handle. Or Look into the user manual to solve the issue.
PROS
CONS
We can end up saying that this is a one great electrode holder that can be a good deal for you. This stinger is powerful, strong, and comfortable. If you can manage the dropping, this is what makes a complete electrode holder.
6. Lincoln Electric KH528 400 AMP Electrode Holder - Best For High-Temperature
The 400 AMP Twist is another great item from Lincoln. It comes at a very reasonable price. As the name suggests its maximum capacity is 400amp. This is perfect for high-temperature use.
The weight of the holder is really surprising. Just 13.8 ounces. It is very common with all Lincoln products, it comes in black color.
The 400amp is really robust and allows you to burn any rod you want. If you compare with the 250amps ones, the 400 offers a wide range that you can ever imagine.
It has been constructed keeping in mind the durability. It has copper tong materials in it. This ensures high conductivity while using and no interruptions.
Like all other Lincoln products, the electric KH528 is equipped with high-quality fiberglass. This ensures great conductivity and insulation.
The installation of it is time-consuming. The downside of it is that it takes a lot of time to get a hold of the rod.
The twist-lock in the stinger makes it a popular choice in the market. This is a different method of holding stick electrodes instead of using spring. Once you insert the bare end then twist the top to engage the mechanism. They are popular due to their ability to clamp on electrodes with screws.
This professional grade electrode holder is insulated and heat resistant. It doesn’t get hot after long use.
Pros:
PROS
CONS
At the bottom line, this is a great stinger with outstanding features from Lincoln. The superior twist holder makes it a great deal to have. Now it is you who has to decide that if you like the spring ones or the twist-lock system. It helps improve your weld and this is why every stick welder should have this.
7. Hobart Welding Holder Electrode 400 Amp (Screw Type) - Best For Beginners
Hobart 770028 is a screw-type electrode holder instead of a spring or a twist holder like the previous ones. You can hold electrical wires up to 5/16’. It allows the electrode to be consumed down to 1inch from the head. The strong grip of the electrode holder holds the rod so hard that you can bend the rod any way you like by maintaining the position.
The electrode can be loosened by turning the handle one quarter. It is easy to change and set up. The capacity is 400amp which is huge and can accept 2 cables at a time.
The holder being well made can resist drop damages or accidental damages. If you don’t use it to hammer something into place otherwise you know the results.
The size of the stinger is really compact and easy to hold in hands. It doesn’t come into contact with the metal or create an arc.
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an experienced welder. This stinger can be used for both DIY or professional welding works.
There is only one complaint about this is that after a lot of screwing and unscrewing the wirings come loose.
PROS
CONS
The Hobart 400amp is a great welding holder. It is capable of withstanding high temperatures. The capacity is really good for professional work. So, there are a whole lot of possibilities with this electrode holder.
What to consider before buying an electrode holder:
Researching on the market, we have found it being loaded with electrode holders. They are of different kinds from different brands. It turned out to be a headache to find the right kind of electrode holder for your work. If you are buying this for the first time, trust me! This is an experience you are going to remember.
To make this experience less bitter we have listed some attributes of the best electrode holder. Knowing this will help you find what you are looking for. The list includes the following.
Comfort:
I don't know about you people. The first thing that I look for is my comfort. I need 100% comfort in the tool I am working with. What's the point of not having comfort even after investing money?
In the case of the electrode holder, you should always look for the one that has a smooth easy grip. Imagine a situation where your electrode holder is slipping from your hand or you are dropping it.
It should fit your hand easily and absolutely. If it doesn’t your hands are gonna get tired or fatigued.
You should feel like, yes! This is it after holding your electrode holder, otherwise don’t go for it.
Durable:
Your expectation from your electrode should be the flow of a lot of currents and a good amount of heat generation, right?
Is it that easy? No! It's not.
This is why durability is important. While checking the durability of an electrode holder there are some things to be considered.
Firstly, it has to be resistant to fire. The heat generated from your electrode is really high and it has to pass it. You would not want your holder to catch fire, right?
Secondly, judge the metal the holder is made of. There are different kinds of holders for sale in the market and they are built of different materials. The building material decides if the holder will last long or not.
Capacity:
Of course, there are certain capacities of an electrode holder. They marked them on their body. This is basically the limit to which they can withstand. It means when you get past the mark, the electrode holders will stop working or damage itself.
To find out the capacity of your electrode holder just read the top of the packaging. You have to decide as per the capacity to which you want your electrode holder to work.
The capacity of amps:
The electrodes vary on the amps a lot. They are different in the case of carrying different amps in them. There are electrode holders that have up to 200amps of capacity. There are also holders who have 300,400 and 500 amps capacity.
Choosing the stinger of the right capacity will make it work easier for you. You will be able to get the job done safely and smoothly.
So, before finalizing a model read the capacity of it.
Stinger style:
In case of choosing from the styles of the stingers, you have two options- the clamp system and the screw system.
The clamp system holder simply clamps the electrode in position. It has powerful jaws that hold the electrode tightly. You will just have to just unclamp to replace or change the electrode.
On the contrary, if you are using the screw system electrode holder you have to screw in a set of screws to hold the electrode strongly in position. The problem with this system is that it requires a lot of time to unscrew and change, but it holds the electrode firmly and more securely.
These are the attributes that you should look for in a stinger before buying. These attributes are from the experts and they rely on these before buying any new model or brand. Keeping this in mind lessens the chance of failing.
Why fail when we are here with the best in the market. Our research and discussion with the experts helped us come up with a list of the best electrode holders there in the market. Without any further ado! Let's look into them.
What type of electrodes are there in the market?
In the market, the electrode holders are found in different shapes and sizes to clamp different electrodes. They vary as per the variation of the diameters of the electrodes.
There are two types of electrode holders depending on their holding style: clamp style and screw holder. They are different in their performance as well.
While welding a machine with a high amp rating you will need a bigger holder. On the other hand, you are gonna need the opposite if you are using a welder or lower amp.
Don’t use a small holder for welding a larger amp machine, otherwise it will overheat. You will find the stingers depending on them being insulated or not. The non insulated stingers easily catch short circuits. Don’t you dare touch them during welding. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about the insulated stringers as they are the safe and recommended ones.
Frequently Asked Question's (FAQ):
How to replace electrode holders?
Ans: Firstly it is important to turn the power off of the machine. Then remove the barrel from the stinger. Access the screws through the provider hole. Loosen the screw and slide the holder away. Attach the new stinger in the barrel and screw to hold it in place tight.
How to prevent the overheating of an electrode holder?
Ans: Firstly, IF you use a wrong size electrode in the holder, it will overheat. So, using the perfect size electrode as per the capacity of the stinger will prevent the overheating.
Secondly, if the cables are loosen or don’t fit in the jaws being too dirty or loose the stinger might overheat. You have to be careful about these facts to prevent overheating.
If there is intense heat, there is a chance that it might get damaged. Never ever dip the stinger in water to cool it.
Conclusion:
We’ve been saying from the start that in stick welding the electrode holder is as important as the other welding accessories. Not always you get a good quality welding holder with your arc welders. The attributes we have given in the buying guide are the ones that experts follow when they tend to buy new electrode holders.
If you want a sturdy, comfortable, and heavy-duty electrode holder keep the attributes in mind. You can choose one from our list as we have done this best electrode holder review keeping them in mind. For heavy and professional welding Hobart 77028, Lincoln electric KH528 can be a great choice. Otherwise for any medium-range or DIY projects you can choose anyone from the rest.