Magnetic ground clamps

[Harry in Ky]

Does anyone use or have any experience with a magnetic ground clamp? I see a number of them listed online, some are switched, some not. I wondered if anyone has tried one, and if so, what do you think of them?

 

[SpringHollow]

I have used one with a switch that normally works well on larger projects. Under certain conditions, it is possible to knock it off.

Ken

 

[CNC Dan]

I have a smaller one that is swiched.
I use it for things that I can't get a grip in with a regular work clamp.

Works ok. Only trouble I've had is with some arc blow when TIGing some small sheet metal parts.

My favorite work clamp is a pair of vise grip pliers. I welded a bolt to the side to attach the cable.
They can grip from 2.5" pipe to sheet metal. Can't find the pair I have at home or I'd post a pic.

OK. Found them. Model:12LC


View attachment 309834

 

[Willl]

I bought and tried one like this. Don't waste your money.

 

[rankrank1]

I bought and tried one like this. Don't waste your money.

Agreed. I bought one of those things too and even bolted it to my ground clamp which was a mistake. It was very hard to remove after only one use - durned stud just wanted to spin and the theads had melted some making the nut impossible to get off. Finally cut it off. Total waste of money.

 

[Harry in Ky]

Yes, I've seen this type, and wondered if the small contact surface that conducts the load would be a problem - poor conductivity/heat build up? Can't tell from the photos of the switched type because the photos don't show the business end.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Have used them in the past, the boss had it set up that way and it worked well. just won't work on aluminum. I am setting up a welder soon and just might use one. Thanks.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

What I have found is they are not worth a flip for field work. The big issue is the spring involved, heat, and failing sooner than later. It's one of those ideas that sound great but in reality isn't.

 

[SpringHollow]

The ones with a switch like a mag mount for an indicator gave a large surface area and do not have the problems the cheap ones have. But they can affect your arc.

Ken

 

[yomax4]

I've sold a bunch of the switched ones but you need the 600 amp one to get a good magnet. The problen is the price. $60.00. I use one when I have to but only then. They work good on pipe but you have to keep the arc away from the magnetics., They work best for holding up a Christmas Wreath on my steel siding.

 

[Harry in Ky]

That's pretty much what I expected. Other than pipe or large surfaces with few edges to clamp onto, the concept seems more novelty than practicality.