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171435-003 - Thermal Arc .035 Knurled Drive Roll Kit for Fabricator Series

Packaging: pack of 1
$159.81/EA $115.91/pack of 1 only $115.91/EASave 27%

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OVERVIEW

Stop Fighting Your Wire Feeder

There is nothing more frustrating than a wire feeder that slips, stutters, or birds-nests right in the middle of a critical weld. If you are running .035" flux-cored wire through your Thermal Arc Fabricator, the Tweco 171435-003 Drive Roll Kit is the upgrade you need to ensure smooth, consistent delivery. Standard smooth V-groove rollers rely on friction and pressure to move the wire, which works fine for solid steel. However, flux-cored wire is a hollow tube filled with powder; if you crank down the tension to get a grip with smooth rollers, you crush the wire into an oval shape. This causes drag in the liner and contact tip, leading to erratic arcs and burn-back.

The Knurled Advantage

This kit features a knurled groove—think of it like the tread on a tire or the teeth on a gear. These tiny teeth bite gently into the surface of the flux-cored wire, providing positive traction with very little tension pressure. This means your wire stays round, flows smoothly through the gun, and comes out at a constant speed. The result? A stable arc, better puddle control, and significantly less spatter. Whether you are welding structural steel outdoors or doing maintenance repairs in the shop, the reliability of your feed system starts here.

Built for Your Machine

Designed specifically for the Thermal Arc Fabricator 181i, 211i, and 252i, this drive roll drops right in without modification. It’s a genuine part, meaning it’s built from hardened steel to withstand the wear and tear of daily fabrication work. Don't let a worn-out or incorrect drive roll ruin your welds. Swap in the 171435-003 and experience the difference that the right traction makes for your flux-cored projects.

Why Choose This Kit?

  • Positive Grip: Teeth grab the wire so you don't have to overtighten the tensioner.
  • Prevents Crushing: Keeps flux-cored wire round for better contact tip life.
  • Consistent Feed: Eliminates the stuttering that causes porosity and irregular beads.
  • OEM Quality: Guaranteed fit for your Thermal Arc welder.
Additional Information
Wire Size:0.035"
Wire Type:Cored
2 Or 4 Roll:2-Roll
Packaging Description:1 per each
Brand:Tweco
Groove Type:Knurled
Compatible Models:Thermal Arc Fabricator 181i, Thermal Arc Fabricator 211i, Thermal Arc Fabricator 252i
Material:Hardened Steel

INCLUDED

  • 1 x Knurled Drive Roll (.035" / 0.9mm)
  • 1 x Installation Guide (if applicable)

APPLICATIONS

  • Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
  • Dual Shield Welding
  • Structural Steel Fabrication
  • Field Maintenance and Repair
  • Automotive Restoration (Structural)
  • Heavy Equipment Repair

FAQ

This drive roll features a knurled groove, making it specifically designed for soft, tubular wires like Flux-Cored (FCAW-S) and Dual Shield (FCAW-G) wires.

It is not recommended. The knurled teeth can dig into solid wire, creating metal shavings that clog the liner and causing accelerated wear on the contact tip. Use smooth V-groove rollers for solid wire.

This kit is compatible with Thermal Arc Fabricator series welders, specifically the Fabricator 181i, 211i, and 252i models utilizing a 2-roll system.

This roller is machined for .035 inch (0.9 mm) wire. Using it with significantly smaller or larger wire will result in poor feeding performance.

Flux-cored wire is hollow and can be crushed by the high tension required for smooth rollers. Knurled rollers provide grip with less tension, preserving the wire's shape.

Typically, this SKU refers to the drive roll itself. Consult the specific packaging or product image, as inlet guides are often sold separately or included with the welder.

Inspect the knurled teeth for wear. If they look flattened or if the wire slips despite correct tension settings, it is time to replace the roll.

Yes, the TWE171435-003 is a genuine OEM replacement part manufactured by Tweco/ESAB for Thermal Arc systems.