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KP2173-3 - Lincoln Electric Inner Wire Guide for 1/16 Aluminum Wire (2-Roll System)

Packaging: 1 Per Ea
$20.22/EA $12.64/1 Per Ea only $12.64/EASave 37%

Usually ships within 3-5 business days

OVERVIEW

Smooth Aluminum Feeding with the KP2173-3

If you have ever welded aluminum, you know the headache of a birdnest. You pull the trigger, the rolls spin, but the wire stops coming out of the tip, and suddenly you have a tangled mess of aluminum spaghetti at the feeder. The Lincoln Electric KP2173-3 Inner Wire Guide is your defense against this frustration. Specifically designed for 1/16-inch aluminum wire running on 2-roll drive systems, this guide is the missing link that keeps your soft aluminum wire moving smoothly from the spool to the puddle.

Why is this specific part so important? Aluminum is soft. If you use a standard steel guide or a guide that is too large, the wire can buckle under the pressure of the drive rolls. The KP2173-3 fits tight to the rolls and supports the wire exactly where it needs it most. It prevents the wire from wandering or kinking before it enters the gun cable. This means you spend less time clearing jams and more time laying down beads. It also prevents the wire from shaving, which keeps your liner clean and your arc consistent.

This is a genuine Lincoln Electric part, meaning it drops right into your compatible 2-roll feeder without modification. Whether you are fabricating aluminum trailers, repairing boat hulls, or working on custom automotive parts, trusting your feed system to the right accessories makes all the difference. Don't let feed issues ruin your weld appearance or slow down your production. Ensure your machine is properly set up for aluminum with the correct inner wire guide.

Installation is straightforward and should be part of your standard changeover process when switching from steel to aluminum or when changing wire diameters. Pair this guide with the correct U-groove drive rolls for the ultimate feeding performance. Keep a spare in your toolbox so you are never caught off guard by a worn guide during a critical job.

Additional Information
Brand:Lincoln Electric
Wire Diameter:1/16 in, 1.6 mm
Wire Material Compatibility:Aluminum
Drive System Type:2 Roll
Packaging Description:1 Per Ea
Part Type:Inner Wire Guide
Application:MIG Welding, Aluminum Fabrication
Compatible Feeders:Lincoln 2-Roll Wire Feeders

INCLUDED

  • 1 x KP2173-3 Inner Wire Guide (1/16" Aluminum)
  • Installation Instructions

APPLICATIONS

  • Aluminum Ship Building and Repair
  • Automotive Fabrication
  • Trailer Manufacturing
  • General Aluminum Fabrication
  • Sign Manufacturing
  • Aerospace Component Welding

FAQ

This inner wire guide is specifically designed for 1/16-inch (1.6 mm) welding wire.

While it physically may fit, it is optimized for aluminum. Steel wire guides are typically made of harder materials to resist the wear of the steel wire. It is recommended to use the specific guide for your material type.

No, the KP2173-3 is specified for 2-roll drive systems. 4-roll systems typically require different guide geometries or multiple guides.

Aluminum is soft and has low column strength. Without a precise, tight-fitting guide, the wire will buckle (birdnest) between the drive rolls and the gun inlet.

Using a guide with an internal diameter that is too large allows the wire to deflect, increasing the risk of feeding issues and erratic arc starts.

Yes, this is a genuine Lincoln Electric part, ensuring perfect fit and compatibility with Lincoln equipment.

Inspect the guide whenever you change wire spools. If you notice grooves, burrs, or elongation of the hole, it should be replaced to prevent wire shaving.

Yes, by providing a smooth, correctly sized path, it reduces friction and shaving compared to using incorrect or worn guides.