Stinger Selection

[Believer]

Just bought a Miller Dial arc 250 without leads. What should I consider in selecting a stinger?

 

[Shield Arc]

Thats like picking out a pair of work boots. Everybody is different, and has different needs. You need to go to your local welding supply and hold several different styles, and see which one fits your hand the best.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

SA is right. It's user preference. IF you are going to run a long distance with the leads, use as heavy cable as you can afford except the last 10 ft, and make a lighter whip to allow more flexibility. The other thing is, a large electrode holder may be difficult to manage, or not fit right in the hand. Sometimes a 200 amp holder will feel better...sometimes not, depending upon hand size and the position of the release lever on the tong.

 

[rankrank1]

I prefer a"squeeze clamp" release stinger over the "screw clamp" type stingers. Hacks like me have been known to stick a rod or two when welding. The squeeze release allows me to quickly break away from the rod when I mess up. Quick breakaway saves the rod and prevents breaker/fuse trips if on marginal power supply circuit.

 

[CJONE]

A 200 amp clamp style is all I ever used by choice. The 250-300 amp units are just a club. If the 200 amp got hot and it was not loose, a bucket of water cured that.
The screw style ones are more than inconvienant and are slow to change rods. Heck you have to lift your shield with them right?. CJ