KP1697-035C - Lincoln Electric KP1697-035C Knurled Drive Roll Kit for .030-.035 Cored Wire

Reliable Feeding for Flux-Cored Welding

When you are out in the field or in the shop welding with flux-cored wire, the last thing you need is a wire feed issue interrupting your arc. The Lincoln Electric KP1697-035C Drive Roll Kit is the essential upgrade for your Lincoln MIG welder or LF-72 feeder when running .030" or .035" cored wires. If you have been trying to run flux-core with standard smooth V-groove rolls, you likely experience slipping or have to crank down the tension so hard that the wire gets crushed. Crushed wire becomes oval-shaped, causing drag in the liner and erratic contact at the tip. This knurled drive roll kit eliminates those headaches.

Why Knurled Rolls Matter

Flux-cored and metal-cored wires are softer than solid MIG wire because they are essentially metal tubes filled with powder. The KP1697-035C features dual knurled grooves that act like tiny gear teeth, gripping the wire securely without needing excessive pressure. This ensures a steady, uninterrupted feed speed, which translates to a smooth, consistent arc and better bead appearance. Whether you are welding dirty steel with self-shielded wire or fabricating with gas-shielded flux core, these rolls provide the traction you need.

Complete Conversion Kit

This package isn't just the rollers; it includes the specific wire guides needed to optimize your machine for cored wire. The split wire guide is particularly important as it prevents the wire from wandering or buckling right at the feeder, a common frustration known as bird nesting. Compatible with popular 2-roll systems like the LF-72 and many Power MIG units, this kit is a must-have accessory for any welder looking to achieve professional results with cored wire processes.