Stick-warming new rods for faster first arc strike?

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Hobbyist type question again...Does anyone else have pet methods for heating new rods in order to strike the first arc faster?I've found that I often stick new rods at inopportune times when trying to start irritating "tight spaces" welds at low amps,so I often just strike an easy first arc on a nearby flat scrap piece of steel, let the rod heat up for a second or two,then remove it and restrike where I intend to weld. I get an immediate,easy strike with the now hot rod.Anybody else heat their rods before use or am I just way too annoyed at sticking rods?
Reply:What rods do you use?  Check your connections--all connections.  If your machine is old then you might want to cut electrode and ground off the leads and reinstall on fresh copper.  Any unions in the cable-replace them and install on fresh copper.  Also, are you using proper current.Yes, occasionally I well heat a rod.  Usually it a rod that has been wet.
Reply:If the machine doesn't have a low open circuit voltage or is in need of repair, sticking shouldn't be a major issue.  Almost all 7018 I run is preheated in a rod oven.  In a REAL pinch, and I do mean PINCH, I'll turn my amps down, stick the electrode to a piece of scrap, and keep it there for a few seconds before releasing the stinger and pulling it out.  This will warm it up, but nowhere near as well as a rod oven, as none of the outside of the flux sees this preheat.
Reply:Hi, try using a file on the end of rod. I think this may help. Sometimes there is a little flux that may cause a problem with starts. Let me know if this helps.