After the day’s impressive work with welding rods and sparks, proper storage of these electrodes should be a top priority. Being able to store your welding rods maintains the quality of the weld. It also assures a consistent and successful outcome of any welding project you will need to do.
Welding Rods Storage
Keep in dry and low-humidity conditions
The first thing to remember is for these electrodes to perform well, keep them in dry and low-humidity conditions. Whenever electrodes absorb moisture from the atmosphere, dry them at once to restore the quality. If electrodes absorb too much moisture, it leads to porosity and weld cracking. So, if you are experiencing a decline in the electrode arc performance, check your storage.
Welding Rods Storage Options
Among the recommended welding rod storage options include rod ovens or unopened Lincoln Hermetically Sealed Containers.
Rod Ovens
Use rod ovens if you are storing large amounts of welding rods. These ovens have a built-in thermostat. Although expensive, they do keep the temperature consistent and the rods dry. One thing to remember is, when storing welding rods in the rod oven, don’t let the doors open for a long time. When hot air rushes out, humidity rushes in. So, be in and out as fast as possible.
Unopened Lincoln Hermetically Sealed Containers
Unopened Lincoln Hermetically Sealed containers, on the other hand, are good if you are storing smaller amounts of welding rods. They keep humidity out. However, be sure that once they’re opened, they should be stored in a space that is between 250 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, there are some welding rods that are okay to be stored in sealed dry containers in room temperature conditions. Due to their lack of sensitivity to moisture, they can last fairly well without being stored in an oven. Welding rods with the last two digits being 10, 11, 12, and 13 are the types that can be stored in sealed dry containers at room temperature.
Welding Rods Storage Precautions
Whatever storage option you choose, there are precautions. First, place welding rods in an upright position or in a single row to prevent them from knocking against each other. This avoids abrasions, bends, breaks, and cracks. Second, remember that welding rods do not do well in humidity. Damp rods can no longer weld effectively because they cause Hydrogen embrittlement. This is why the surroundings of the welding rods should be hot so moisture in the air evaporates. Each type of welding rod has its own temperature to maintain. Be sure to contact the manufacturer with specific questions regarding these electrodes.
