Had to choose between stick and flux core for a repair job on a grain bin yesterday

I was patching a crack in a grain bin at a farm outside Omaha and couldn't decide between 7018 stick or flux core wire. The wind was kicking up something fierce, maybe 15 mph gusts, so I grabbed the flux core setup because it handles drafty conditions way better. Took me about 2 hours to run the beads and grind them down smooth. The farmer came out and said it looked solid, which felt good. Anyone else have a go-to process for outdoor repairs when the weather fights you?

2 comments

2 Comments

troykim22d ago

Not to be that guy but 7018 isn't really the best for windy conditions either... it's a low hydrogen rod so it really needs to be kept dry and the wind can mess with the shielding gas from the flux. Flux core is definitely the right call there since the gas comes from inside the wire so wind doesn't wash it away. Good call grabbing that instead of fighting with stick.

ivangrant22d ago

Admit it - I used to fight with 7018 in the wind, but @troykim just changed my mind completely.