What are spatter-proof jaws in welding grip pliers?

[mrspeed]

I've searched the internet as well as this forum specifically and can't find any information on this. The question I have pertains to locking grip pliers for welding. I've noticed that some of the pliers have thin, smooth jaws, while others have really thick, textured jaws.

The best examples I can give are on this page for Bollmann-Selzer welding locking pliers (the manufacturer of locking pliers for Knipex, NWS, Elora, and more).

Notice the first pair have steel jaws that are thin and smooth in texture:

The second set have malleable cast iron jaws that are thick and rough in texture:

For awhile I couldn't figure out why you would want one versus the other unless it had to do simply with strength/durability versus price.

However, I eventually found that Facom lists their thick-jawed locking pliers as being for arc welding, with the feature of "light alloy spatter-proof jaws".

This seems to be a clue, but assuming this is also the reason for the thick-jawed variants for the Bollmann-Selzer pliers, it still begs the question... what makes the jaws spatter-proof? Is it the material? If so, why is one a light alloy and the other is malleable cast iron? Is it the texture? Is it the thickness or heat resistance?

I've tried googling everything from what causes spatter to what differentiates arc welding pliers from other welding pliers, and more. Nothing I search turns up any information on why these pliers exist or how they work.

Given this day in age, I'm astounded that this information doesn't seem to be findable on the internet. It's especially hard to believe that tool makers would sell these tools without ever explaining anywhere on their websites or in their catalogues why they exist or how they work. And yet here we are.

Is this knowledge just so common among welders that it doesn't need to be said? Is it a secret of the pros not meant for general dissemination? Does anyone know? Help!

By the way, I do have examples of each of these. I have some Knipex (Bollmann-Selzer) pliers with the malleable cast iron jaws, Elora (Bollmann-Selzer) pliers with the thin steel jaws, and Elora (Grip-on) pliers with the light alloy jaws. I didn't realize the jaws were different when I bought them until I got them. That's when I started looking around and couldn't find anything out.

 

[sberry]

Proably 2 things. The malable ones are very likely quite rigid and splatter doesn't stick to cast well. This is a thing where most of the damage is done early, as a guy learns he doent need to weld everything in sight, removed them when not needed and clamps can look good for long time.

 

[mrspeed]

Thanks for this input! I wasn't aware that spatter doesn't stick as well to cast iron.

Can you explain what you mean by damage being done early and removing something when not needed?

 

[Stooge]

Can you explain what you mean by damage being done early and removing something when not needed?

I would assume Sberry means that after the initial tack welds/ preliminary welds are done, depending on what is being welded, you might be able to take that clamp off and it will no longer be in a position to be damaged.

I have a few nicer clamps, but most of my clamps are purposely cheap enough that if they get all marked up, burnt, cut, etc, it doesn't matter, but honestly I've never really even thought about it enough that if a clamp is spatter proof or not, but I guess if your buying nicer ones, its something to think about. Im really liking that last pair of curved jaw ones! Facom 502?

 

[Musicinabottle]

I spray mine with Skip Spat.

 

[Wamsutta]

I like the Facoms.

 

[toplessHO]

save the money

one word "PAM"

 

[5ktq]

I think "light alloy spatter-proof jaws" implies the cast ones are aluminium or something along those lines. Ever try to weld steel to aluminium?

 

[JBradley500]

I think "light alloy spatter-proof jaws" implies the cast ones are aluminium or something along those lines. Ever try to weld steel to aluminium?

When I was a kid and asked my dad if he was a good welder, he told me he could weld rocks together

 

[mrspeed]

I like the Facoms.

They're okay. They look nice, but the spring is so strong that they snap open with a lot of force to the point it seems like they could jump out of your hand if you're not careful, the finish is a little rough to the touch, like really fine sandpaper, and they're made in China. They're probably the nicest made-in-China locking pliers I've tried though.

 

[L.Cheapo]

They're okay. They look nice, but the spring is so strong that they snap open with a lot of force to the point it seems like they could jump out of your hand if you're not careful, the finish is a little rough to the touch, like really fine sandpaper, and they're made in China. They're probably the nicest made-in-China locking pliers I've tried though.

Does that make them Facommunist?