Can I hold an electrode while welding?

[grumpy]

The older I get the more I shake even if it is small amount. What I would like to know is if you can use your free hand to hold the electrode what welding. This especially applys to the smaller diameter electrodes. What are the pros and cons about that type of procedure?

[Pile Buck]

Hi grumpy, I hold the welding rod with my off hand all the time. Sometimes it does get exciting if my glove it wet tho

[toolaholic]

use your side cutters cut full weld rods in 1/2. these shorter rods will give you much more control. i do this in tight quarters sometimes, like reaching
up under an auto. i also normally guide rod with 2nd hand also.

[SlimJim]

Originally Posted by grumpy

.... What I would like to know is if you can use your free hand to hold the electrode what welding. ?

Not to close to the hot end, trust me!

[terry lingle]

It is done all the time just be sure to use a good thick glove with no damage on the hand holding the stick for longer burn protection. I have a big box of right hand gloves and no lefts from this practice. Terry

edit sp and clairity Terry

[Jeff]

I almost always use two hands. I like to guide the electrode with my index finger

[storts]

Originally Posted by Jeff

I almost always use two hands. I like to guide the electrode with my index finger

Luckily,,,,God gave me hands of a surgon,,,I would not know what to do with my other hand,OPPS Left myself wide open to that!!!!!JAck

[Hickey]

Originally Posted by Jeff

I almost always use two hands. I like to guide the electrode with my index finger

I do the same. Give ya the shakes when your glove is wet though...

[grumpy]

Thanks for all the responses. Now I feel more confident about touching (holding) the rod when welding. Also thanks for the tip about cutting the rod in half--never though about that.

[boilerman]

if your in a tight spot and starting a new rod and don't have room....clamp the holder at the half spot on the rod ....give rod couple of bends to break the flux off and make contact with the holder ....then bend the part you ain't going to use down along the handle...hold rod and handle at same time...cutting them can be a pain and that is just another tool you have to look for