Mig Nozzle

[craneops]

I'm new to mig welding. How should the inside tip of a mig gun nozzle be cleaned after a certain amount of use? I seem to be cleaning it to stop the sputtering more than I think I should. What could I be doing wrong? Could it be I am holding the nozzle to close to the work. I've been using a wire bore brush to clean it, is that a good practice? Thanks

[ww8j]

Nozzle Spatter

It is quite normal to have a small collection of spatter inside the nozzle after a few welds. Removing the nozzle and giving it a sharp rap against the table top usually removes most of the crud. For a more thorough cleanup, I use a small battery terminal brush during and after welding. Another method to reduce spatter is Nozzle Dip. It is a gel which is applied to the nozzle to reduce spatter collection. This can be purchased from your LWS. I prefer not use the gel as it is too messy.

Unless your having a problem with your welds, I wouldn't be overly concerned.

[aametalmaster]

I use a small junk screwdriver, well it wasn't junk until i started weldin...Bob

[Bert]

Nozzle dip gel is ok, but I agree it's messy. I sometimes use the spray they have for it at your lws, but seems for it to work, I still have to use it every 8 beads or so. I just use my mig pliers (or junk screwdriver) and crack out the slag. Usually pops off easily in a ring. I get a lot of junk also around the "part" (technical term) where the gas flows out, but I just give it a "once around" (another technical term) with my glove, and all comes off easily!!!

[youngwelder_154]

I tried nozzle dip before and honestly I didn't notice much of a difference anyway besides the extra time spent cleaning up . I like the option of the screwdriver anyway

[dabar39]

tip cleaner

I normally have a pair of wire cutters handy so I use them to clean the nozzle out, just open them up and insert one of the jaws into the edge of the nozzle. Screwdriver works good too. I too have tried the dips and sprays and didn't think they were worth the hassle. Dave

[HMW]

"Mig" pliers work well. The sorta needle nose end is sqaure cut, one twist inside the nozzle and all the stuff comes out. Of course you have to take the nozzle off to use them. Had my pair for years.

[Smokey_]

yeah i think mig pliars are the way to go. I have the kind that bend out on 45degree at end so u can pry it into nozzle and pop splatter out. Also if u find that u are getting excessive splatter maybe your settings need to be adjusted.

[jwsrep]

I'm a big fan of nozzle dip. The thing to remember with dip is to get the nozzle hot before dipping it, then hold the nozzle over the jar until the "glob" drops back into the jar.
Welper pliers are a great all around tool and no MIG weldor should be without them. There are some knock off Welper type pliers that work fine for not much money.