Tweco, Lenco or Powerweld electrode holders

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Too many choices out there and I don't want to get something I should have avoided.  Lots of sites sell all three and the Powerweld says 'compatible' with both. What is the difference?
Reply:Unless you want to build large forearm muscles, stick with a 200amp holder, whatever you buy.  The twist to clamp types seem to be a pain in the butt.I've gone thru 3 Lincoln el cheapo 200amp holders in 15yrs(ones that come with the crackerbox).  I like 'em because the lever is easy to operate when getting rid of a stub.  They also get nice and hot after welding a while, lets you know that maybe you're pushing the duty cycle on my machine.  LWS guys give me crap every time I've gone in to special order one.  Always try to sell me fancy stuff I don't need.Then again, I'm just sort of a cheap sorta guy.  Holders don't seem to affect the quality of the welds, so why get fancy."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Thanks, Farmersamm. They don't seem to be very expensive...under $25 for most of them. Some say Lenco-compatible or Tweco-compatible. What does that mean? Does it have to do with the quick disconnects? Do electrode holders connect to the wire with a disconnect or just bare wire?
Reply:Lenco, and Tweco, are just the manufacturers.  The product is similarMost holders just have a provision for connecting the bare lead to the holder.  A big set screw, clamp, etc. All are well insulated up inside the handle.  A quick disconnect is generally used somewhere along the main welding lead to just connect the cable if you need to have 2 sections of cable for some reason.Like leaving the cable laying underneath where you're using the cutting torchLast edited by farmersamm; 11-07-2008 at 07:51 PM."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammLike leaving the cable laying underneath where you're using the cutting torch
Reply:that means that all the insulator plastic pieces or what ever you call them will work on it an you need about a 15 foot lean with a male end on it this is called a whip most places i go the welding machines just have a female plug on the end of the lead ia also have my dry rig set up with a short piece of lead and a male plug most places ive worked for dont supply stingers or tig rigs just consumables and i have a twecoComplete Fabrication Shop specializing in pipe fabrication. Also offering heavy steel fabrication and sheet metal work.
Reply:Originally Posted by scubaholicthat means that all the insulator plastic pieces or what ever you call them will work on it an you need about a 15 foot lean with a male end on it this is called a whip most places i go the welding machines just have a female plug on the end of the lead ia also have my dry rig set up with a short piece of lead and a male plug most places ive worked for dont supply stingers or tig rigs just consumables and i have a tweco
Reply:Bernard shortstub is the way to go.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Whatever flips your switch. Each of us has tools ( electrode holders, cutting torches, welders, wrenches, etc.) that we prefer because we like the way they feel and perform. I don't know what Tweco offers now as I swore off them shortly after becoming a welder. They didn't feel good in my hand and had a short service life. Maybe they build a good electrode holder now. Tozzi says he likes the shortstub where I wouldn't use one if you gave it to me. I always liked Jackson and Lenco and that is what I use. It's a personal preference thing and what one person likes may not suit you. I only own two stick welders now. One has a Lenco and the other a Jackson holder. I like both equally.