Rods for emergency welding

Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 13:32
ThreadID: 49088 Views:5756 Replies:7 FollowUps:6
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What is the best rod type and size to carry for to use in emergency welding using two truck batteries.
Thanks for any info
Pete.
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Reply By: Member - Craig D (SA) - Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 13:48

Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 13:48
Asked a boiler maker type here at work who is into 4wding....he said rods 2.5mm to 2.8mm would be a good choice, probably no bigger though.
AnswerID: 259220

Reply By: pepper2 - Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 13:56

Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 13:56
There are also special rods made of a mixture of metals that are very versatile can join non ferrous and die cast metals with a naked flame......more like soldering than welding....available at shows etc...I have repaired the aluminium tube carrying the power steering fluid on the patrol with these.
AnswerID: 259221

Reply By: Scoof - Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 14:03

Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 14:03
General purpose welding rods that way if you have to weld out of postion it alot easier with GP rods.It's very hard to weld on a slight down hill incline with some electrodes (rods)
I would go for 6012 GP 2.5mm.

Cheers Scoof..
AnswerID: 259222

Follow Up By: awill4x4 - Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 22:35

Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 22:35
Scoof, we're metric now and have been for years you'll find all general purpose rods now are designated E4112 or E4113.
Regards Andrew.
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Follow Up By: Scoof - Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 09:27

Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 09:27
chit your right
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Reply By: Robin Miller - Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 14:05

Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 14:05
Have a special bunch of 2mm rods here Pete , as they don't need so much current as larger ones.

Also have half a chance of patching thin metal like exhausts

Robin Miller
Robin Miller

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AnswerID: 259223

Reply By: Hairy - Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 17:29

Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 17:29
Gday,
There is a type of rod called a "Weldall" and they do just about that, weld all. They are brilliant but very expensive, but then again so is a recovery if you cant fix it yourself.
2.5 diameter rods should do but 3.25 could be handy if you have enough power.
There is a new mob dealing in speciallised rods who do a rod for dissimilar metals, I havent tried that particular rod yet but all their other fancy rods seem good so it would be deffinately worth a try.
Sorry but I cant think of their name but when it comes to me Ill get back to you.
A low hydrogen rod is always handy if you going to attempt harder metals like axles and things as is cast rods for diff housings.

Cheers
AnswerID: 259246

Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 18:23

Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 18:23
Hairy, I was going to mention Weldall, you can buy a small hanging blister pack with both 2.5 and 3.2 dia included. As you mentioned, great for dissimilar metals and you can even weld coil or leaf springs with them. Mild steel, spring steel and stainless steel. Another bonus, even if you cant weld, you can master weldalll easily. One problem with low hydrogen and similar rods is that they are vey hard to strike an arc and get them to run, especially if limited welding experience available.
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Follow Up By: awill4x4 - Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 22:42

Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 22:42
Be careful if using "weldall" rods, they have a high nickel content and as such are as hard as hell. We sometimes have to repair racecar chassis' that have been patch up repaired on site with them and it's a devil of a stuff to remove and impossible to drill. Perhaps have a couple of "Weldall's" at hand to repair springs or cast iron at a pinch but that's all I would use them for.
You're better off carrying some 2.5mm general purpose electrodes, either E4112 or E4113.
Regards Andrew.
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FollowupID: 520784

Follow Up By: Hairy - Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 23:08

Tuesday, Aug 28, 2007 at 23:08
Yep!
You cant become a "Welder" over a forum, but remember what the question was......I think..... what type of rods.
Even if you cant use them, the next bloke probably can.
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FollowupID: 520787

Follow Up By: Topcat (WA) - Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 00:22

Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 00:22
I've been carrying around in my troopy a pack of 1.5mm low hydrogen rods for years now that have been used in 'anger' a couple of times. No probem striking an arc & do a nice job on the thin stuff too. I don't consider myself an experienced welder either. Cheers
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FollowupID: 520795

Reply By: x4by4 - Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 10:35

Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 10:35
Appreciate all the good info. I did a 1 year TAFE welding course 40 yrs ago but have not done welding in the last 10 yrs.
It always helps a lot if you are using the correct rods especially when using 24v or 36v from truck batteries.
I will get a selection of rods to take with me. They don’t take up much room or weight too much.
Hopefully I won’t need to use them, but at least I will be prepared.
Thanks again
Pete
97 Toyota 80 1Hz
AnswerID: 259355

Reply By: Olcoolone- Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 19:12

Wednesday, Aug 29, 2007 at 19:12
Interesting thread, has anyone used jumper leads to weld that have a anti zap module fitted.

If so did the anti zap still work afterwards.

Regards Richard
AnswerID: 259429

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