Stick Electrode Holder Choice

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What's the preferred choice of stick electrode holder - Screw Type (item H) or Tweeco Style (item I) in the attached picture?  My experience has been with the Tweeco style that operates like a big spring-loaded tweezer to grasp the electrode on two sides.  With the Screw Type, one inserts the electrode into a hole and then turns the handle to internally grasp the electrode.I'm wondering about both normal usage and also what happens when a rod sticks?  Any advantages/disadvantages to these different holders? Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by Rick VWhat's the preferred choice of stick electrode holder - Screw Type (item H) or Tweeco Style (item I) in the attached picture?  My experience has been with the Tweeco style that operates like a big spring-loaded tweezer to grasp the electrode on two sides.  With the Screw Type, one inserts the electrode into a hole and then turns the handle to internally grasp the electrode.I'm wondering about both normal usage and also what happens when a rod sticks?  Any advantages/disadvantages to these different holders?
Reply:Top (I).  These are very versitile.  I also like that the handle fits snuggly over the back of my hand or thumb, depending on direction...this helps me keep movement to a minimum.  I have both, and this is just my prefs.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:I use "H"  ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:The H or Bernard style is the only way to go.     You can clamp and then bend the rod in any direction you want.   When you remove the stub you have an electrically safe end.   You can also use the back side of the handle as a hammer to tap things into place.  In the process you break the bakelite insulation and receive the wrath of your foreman :'))
Reply:I have used both and much prefer the Tweco style. I usually put the rod in the angled groove and then bend it a bit so I can spin it to any direction/angle I might need. With the screw type if you stick a rod it is a little harder to get it out quickly. I know thats no big deal, just don't like it.
Reply:Well, 5 votes in: 2 for Bernard (H-screw) and 3 for Tweeco (I-clamp).I talked to the last surviving weld guy at work, he preferred the Bernard; he said that it was better for limited access situations because as Lotechman said "You can clamp and then bend the rod in any direction you want."I asked about rod sticking because if you can't break the rod free of the work, you have quick release with the Tweeco (I-clamp).  He said, if you're quick, you can flick the wrist and rotate the handle on the Bernard (H-screw) to release the rod.Is it just personal preference or has anyone had a bad experience with either?Rick V
Reply:Tong type for me, heaps faster than the screw type, and it can be a real pain getting very short stubs out of the screw type.StephenI'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:I prefer the screw type.  I still have my tong holder, but haven't used it since trying out the screw type.  I have never been unable to break a stuck rod loose quickly enough with a combination of wiggling the rod back and forth and pulling on it.  I guess the compactness of the screw type and the strength of its grip on the rod appeals to me.  However, I don't think there's that big a difference.  I could live with either type.wirehunt, if you're burning the rods down to the point that they are difficult to remove from the screw type, I think you are going to burn the head.  I rarely burn them down to the extent that I can't flip the stub out with my gloved fingers or just shake it out.  Maybe 1.5 inches.awright
Reply:(H) Bernard short stub
Reply:Bernard holder here.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Well, 9 votes in: 5 for Bernard (H-screw) and 4 for Tweeco (I-clamp).It looks like a 50/50 split vote.Thanks fellows for the guidanceI want to put together for occasional use a heavy amperage DC-stick welding system from components I have around for other uses.e.g.I have an emergency power system that uses a 12 volt to 120 volt inverter drawing power from a parallel bank of six 12 volt 100 amp-hour batteries.  I also have a set of 20 foot #1 gauge (copper) booster cables.I figured to add a welding ground clamp and electrode holder and I am pretty much there - that's why my question on the electrode holder.  Thanks again for all the advice,Rick V
Reply:Originally Posted by awrightwirehunt, if you're burning the rods down to the point that they are difficult to remove from the screw type, I think you are going to burn the head.  I rarely burn them down to the extent that I can't flip the stub out with my gloved fingers or just shake it out.  Maybe 1.5 inches.awright
Reply:Tweco style for meDewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:I use both prefer the bernard one though for any out of position stuff.  Easier to just bend the electrode the way I want it than fight with it in the tongs.  But I do agree if I am out in the open, I use the tongs, much faster change over.
Reply:Hmetal is my future
Reply:H style for me.Here in the Great White NorthMosquitoes can't fly at 40 below
Reply:I have both too. Use the Bernard Shortstub (H) more often.