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21160 - ESAB .030/.035 Knurled Drive Roll for Flux Cored Wire

Packaging: pack of 1
$104.26/EA

Usually ships within 3-5 business days

SKU: ESB21160 Categories: ,

OVERVIEW

Technical Overview of ESAB 21160 Serrated Drive Roll

The ESAB 21160 is a precision-engineered drive roll component designed specifically for the feeding of tubular welding wires, including flux-cored and metal-cored varieties. This unit features a dual-groove configuration, allowing it to accommodate two distinct wire diameters: .030 inches (0.8mm) and .035 inches (0.9mm). The ability to switch between these common sizes makes it a versatile component for industrial fabrication environments where wire size changes may occur based on material thickness and welding procedure specifications.

Unlike standard V-groove rolls used for solid wires, this drive roll utilizes a serrated or knurled surface texture. This design is critical for cored wires, which are structurally softer and more prone to deformation than solid wires. A smooth V-groove requires higher tension to achieve traction, which can crush the tubular wire, leading to flaking of the flux core or deformation of the wire shape (ovalization). Such deformation increases friction within the gun liner and contact tip, causing erratic feeding and arc instability. The serrated teeth of the ESAB 21160 bite gently into the wire surface, providing positive traction with significantly less down-pressure, thereby preserving the wire's structural integrity.

Manufactured from hardened steel, this OEM ESAB part is built to withstand the rigorous demands of continuous industrial welding. It ensures concentric rotation and precise alignment with the wire guide and liner, minimizing wear on downstream components. Proper selection of drive rolls is a fundamental aspect of welding machine maintenance and setup; using the ESAB 21160 ensures that your equipment operates within its optimal parameters for flux-cored applications.

Key Technical Specifications:

  • Part Number: 21160
  • Wire Compatibility: Flux-Cored and Metal-Cored (Tubular)
  • Diameter Capacity: .030" (0.8mm) and .035" (0.9mm)
  • Surface Profile: Serrated / Knurled
  • Material: Hardened Steel
Additional Information
Packaging Description:1 Per Ea, pack of 1
Brand:Esab
Wire Size:0.030/0.035
Wire Type:Flux Core or Metal Core
Product Type:Drive Roll
Surface Texture:Serrated (Knurled)
Compatible Wire Diameter:0.030" (0.8mm), 0.035" (0.9mm)
Application:Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Metal-Cored Arc Welding (MCAW)

INCLUDED

  • 1 x ESAB Serrated Drive Roll (.030" / .035")

APPLICATIONS

  • Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
  • Metal-Cored Arc Welding (MCAW)
  • Structural steel fabrication
  • Automotive repair and maintenance
  • Outdoor welding applications
  • General light-to-medium industrial fabrication

FAQ

This drive roll features a serrated (knurled) surface, making it specifically designed for soft, tubular wires such as Flux-Cored and Metal-Cored wires.

It is not recommended. Serrated rolls can dig into solid wire, creating metal shavings that may clog your liner. For solid wire, use smooth V-groove rolls.

This drive roll is designed to accommodate two wire sizes: .030 inches (0.8mm) and .035 inches (0.9mm).

Flux-cored wire is hollow and softer than solid wire. A serrated roll grips the wire with teeth, allowing for feeding with less tension pressure, which prevents the wire from being crushed or deformed.

Yes, the ESAB 21160 is a genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement part manufactured by ESAB.

With serrated rolls, you should use minimal tension. Tighten just enough so the wire feeds without slipping, but not so tight that the teeth deform the wire significantly.

This product is sold individually (1 per each). Depending on your feeder model, you may need one or two rolls.

You would likely have to overtighten the tensioner to get a grip, which crushes the wire, causing it to become oval-shaped. This leads to friction in the liner and poor arc performance.