200 Amp Welding Electrode Holder ESAB MMA ARC Stick Manual Head-Screw twist type

I'm 62,a self taught hobby welder. I like the way it feels in my hand. The quality is top shelf. Don't think I'll ever go back to a regular stinger.

2024I've had this striker for a year now. My machine has a very high work test cycle and I've never had any issues with this striker. I've ran through about 70 lbs of 1/8 rod with zero issues.2023Take a #4 Phillips screwdriver and push through the hole in the bottom of the handle to install your wire lead. No instructions comes with it but that's all you need to know to start using it.

PROS: #1 with no exposed conductive metal i can lay it anywhere no accidental sparks (safety 1st) #2 bending the rod is so easy #3 the rod is held tighter than any other stinger I have used #4 virtually indestructible i have dropped it six feet the hard but not brittle screw top can survive the handle is a semi soft rubber that doesn't get burned easily #5 the base of the handle has a rubber that surrounds the wire preventing debris and water to some extent from entering the handle #6 it fits into tighter spaces without a handle #7 i has two holes one angled up which i really do not use and one hole that is straight #8 there is no screw or nut exposed everything is clean and dry under the handle rubber #9 the guts (copper) is one solid piece well made #10 to me it looks bad assCONS:#1 if you get stuck you'll need both hand to get that electrode out quickly (solution don't get stuck!) #2 its not the easiest to setup getting the rubber of the copper especially the first time is not fast and requires some force so if for some reason u need to switch stingers its better to just use another whip "if possible" this is more permanent like set it and forget it only change it when your whip is burnt out (which is kinda a pro most of the time your whip sees 2 to 3 stingers before the whip needs changing) #3 i don't see much difference in time loading or discarding a electrode but again you'll need both hands so if your using one hand to hold onto a beam and another to weld a traditional spring stinger is the better safer option which i why id say this is more for welding in a shop/pipe welding than heights (iron worker) #4 nobody sells this in a store that i know so order two or three online cause you will be waiting a while for it a month at least (to me it was worth the wait)hope this helps sincerely weller4LIFE!!!

As a beginner welder I was really excited to get this holder. I developed a trigger finger with traditional style clamp holders and was looking for something more comfortable. Initially it worked really well, was sitting very comfortably in my hand, and improved my welding significantly. The bend in the handle made it a lot more comfortable to weld overhead and to stay out of occasional spark shower. But on day 3 the screws came undone (I’m guessing just from being handled and moved around) and if fell apart mid weld. I made some small adjustments and put it back together. After 3 days it fell apart again. And another 3 days later again. I just could not tighten the screws any more without breaking something. Another thing I didn’t like is that you have to put the electrode in the seat perfectly for it to be held tight and straight. As I mentioned, I’m a beginner so I still stick the rod often so fighting to put it back in was becoming old fast. If I were to weld on a job, this holder would slow things down significantly. i replaced it with a similar style ESAB Handy 400 holder which is a lot sturdier, all parts are very tight against each other and it only takes a quarter turn to tighten or loosen the electrode. I really wanted to like this holder, it worked well in the beginning and was comfortable. If the manufacturer can fix the issues I mentioned this product will be great.

Best holder that's still being made in this style. Love how the head works, very tight hold on rod, easy to turn and I can bend the rod however ever i want and it won't slip. quick turn an the stub drops right out. I like the two holes, gives more options to position the rod. seems well built and much better than the 45 degree fixed head one's.

Total piece of crap, used it twice with 1/8” 6010. Quit working properly immediately, total junk. Surprised that ESAB would put their name on such crap.

Very good quality and much easier to use in smaller area as it has no side handle. Quick flip and can put a new rod in both in 90 and 45 degree angles. Limited to to 200 amps covers most med and small weld projects for maintenance and small shops. Excellent for home owners too.

Barely ok