Newbie

[Tongmeter]

I am a hobbist and new to stick welding. I know this sounds like a dumb question, but what is the easiest way to open and get into a can of welding rods? Specifically 1/8 th 6010 and 3/32 7018. Some one told me to throw the can on the ground hitting the corner to open it. I am afraid that will damage the rods.
Any help is appreciated

Tong

[MAC702]

How big a can of what brand? Lots of different designs. Most open like a can of vienna sausages...

[Tongmeter]

Thanks Mac702

The rods are Lincoln Fleetweld 5P 6010's & Lincoln 7018's they were given to me and must be old cans because they are'nt the "EASY OPEN' type.

Tong

[MAC702]

Do they maybe have a coil that you unwrap with a key near the top, like an old can of SPAM?

[Tongmeter]

NO Obvious opener

Mac702

There is no visibile opener at either end. They appear to be sealed cans.
I'm not sure how to open them up without damaging the rods inside!


Tongmeter

[Richard]

Maybe you can use a 1/2" wide flate chisel 'make shure its sharp' and start at the edge and open the top . you dont have to have a big hole .
you can make a small opening at one of the corners of the can and then tilt the can and poor a few rods out at a time.
kinda like how you use a flat chisel to cut off the top of a 55 gal. drum around the edge
hope this helps
and welcome to the forum

Sincerely,
Richard

[Tongmeter]

Thanks


Thanks Richard, I tried it and it worked!
I'm so glad I found this forum, I willl check back often.
Tong

[hellowyo]

Use your grinder

Hello

I had some at school that were very old and sealed up tight. No easy open lid... so I took my grinder and went around the seam until I cut it in two... worked very well and didnt damage the electrodes...

I would not throw them down on a corner!

[DDA52]

We used a hammer and screwdriver in the corner of the lid to open up a triangle.....a torch........and whatever else would cut metal. Always hated getting cut up by them, but that was just part of the job. Those were the days.

[wello]

so Iam i reading this right that welding rods over come in cans ?
over there in either a cardbroad box or a plastic box
just wondering

[DDA52]

Some come in cardboard, some in plastic and some in steel cans. It all depends on what they are, the size package and who they are from. For ex: Linc 6010's are available in 10# can...I believe they used to have a 5# can, too.....and a 50# can. Hobart 6010's are in one pound plastic tubes, 10# plastic can/tube deal and 50# can. Switch to 6011's and the big cans are now cardboard boxes. I don't believe there is any rhyme, reason, or logic behind any of it. It is all just a ploy to keep us guessing.

[Richard]

Tong,

glad that my info helped. welcome to the forum and Happy welding

Sincerely,
. Richard

[fyoung]

Plasma cutter

Band saw...think that would work?.

[garth]

What about the old style millitary can opener