Is this ground clamp garbage?

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I have a hobart autoarc 130, small 110v machine. It came with two of theseLooks like they cut them off a cheap jumper cable and threw them in with the machine.I keep reading how important a good ground is with migWelding and wasn't sure if I should spend $15On an upgrade?
Reply:More like a clamp from a small battery charger.  This would be infinitely better for $7. delivered.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arc-Welding-...-/200960657596"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Should weld OK until the insulation melts by the connection lug or the spring goes soft.insulation melting shows the connection is going bad , loose and arcing.At that point you will need to replace the lug and the clamp.
Reply:Perfectly happy with the same clamp on my old HH135, and I bet I've run more wire thru that thing than you'll maybe ever run.  Tried changing it once, and went back to it after finding out that the new "improved" one didn't work one bit better.  And I like the easy open, large capacity, jaws too.With the small machine, even bigger machines, it's all about how clean the surface of the metal is where you put the work clamp.Remember that even the larger clamps generally only contact the surface of the metal in a very small area.  For your machine you got plenty of ampacity with that clamp."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Looks like it's made of copper so as long as the wire connection to it is good what's not to like?
Reply:Just as farmersamn and hill said, there is nothing wrong with that clamp. I have the same clamp on my HH140 and the Power Max30. ...They work...
Reply:Originally Posted by hillLooks like it's made of copper so as long as the wire connection to it is good what's not to like?
Reply:In my opinion yes....will it work yes. I changed mine out for the lenco 200amp one in the pic below for increased clamping force and surface area. Ranger 250 thick stuffHobart Handler 140 not thick stuffthe pane and oxy setup
Reply:probably good for now. the spring might start to go after a while. keep your eye out for something better (read free) till then.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:How about magnetic?
Reply:Originally Posted by KineticWeldingServicIn my opinion yes....will it work yes. I changed mine out for the lenco 200amp one in the pic below for increased clamping force and surface area.
Reply:My HH140 cheapo clamp spring hasnt weakened. I did checkout a aftermarket brass/copper one but the damn sspring was soo stiff had to use two hands to open it. Only prob I have had with my cheapo ground is one time when I hit the trigger on my gun the ground sparked then slightly welded it ssself to the peice. nothing was loose just think it had a weak ground so it arced and once it welded it self to the peice it was happy. was wierd to have sparks shoot off the ground and was praying I didnt fry the welder. Cleaned it with a wire brush as best I could and havent had a prob. thinkinf if grinding the teeth down to get more contact. the clamp had some spatter and that gray ash looking build up on it.HH140---------------------------https://www.facebook.com/brandon.pike.9
Reply:Just use the clamp and stop worrying.  You're gonna get a good ground on it. Your machine doesn't have enough amps to matter.  Plus, the Tweco clamp pictured above absolutely sucks a$$ when you try to clamp it to something round. Nearly impossible to get it to stay.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I mostly use a copper lug on the end of my ground cable. Then I clamp on using whatever is handy, usually a variety of visegrips, or drop it between a vise jaw and workpiece.LOTS of contact area, dirt cheap, easy to clean if it ever needs it.
Reply:I use the 300 amp ones like CEP pictured , and off the set screw I attach a piece of cable about a foot long with lugs on each end so I can attach it with a bolt if I need to.Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255?..the Tweco clamp pictured above absolutely sucks a$$ when you try to clamp it to something round. Nearly impossible to get it to stay.