How to Wire Weld

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding, otherwise known as wire welding, is the most common means used to join bits and pieces of metals together. Knowledge in wire welding comes in handy for many repairs around your home and on the farm, as well as for your do-it-yourself hobbies during your free time. It is important that the diameter of your wire matches the size of the contact tip of your welding gun. This will facilitate smoother feeding of the wire and better welding.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Metal inert gas (MIG) welding gun MIG wire Electrical power source

1. Open the cover of your MIG gun to reveal the wire feeding unit of this welding tool.

2. Check your MIG wire for any signs of rust, which could interfere with the feeding of the wire into the gun. Trim off the start of your MIG wire that was bent into the spool.

3. Insert the start of the MIG wire into the contact tip through the spindle of your MIG gun's feeding unit. See that it fits smoothly and snugly.

4. Release the tensioning mechanism that controls the guides and rollers of the wire by pushing down the lever on your MIG gun.

5. Plug your MIG gun into an electrical power source.

6. Pull the trigger of your MIG gun. This will allow electrical energy to be fed into the gun, causing the wire to melt. Use the melted wire to weld metals together.

References

• Wire Weld