KP666-045C - Lincoln SP-175 Plus Knurled Drive Roll Kit .035-.045

Precision Knurled Drive Roll for SP-175 Plus Systems

The Lincoln Electric KP666-045C is a specialized Knurled Drive Roll Kit engineered to optimize the performance of the SP-175 Plus welding system when running flux-cored or metal-cored wires. Unlike solid MIG wire, which is rigid and can be driven by smooth V-groove rolls, flux-cored wire consists of a thin metal sheath filled with flux powder. This structure makes it susceptible to crushing if the drive roll tension is set too high. Conversely, too little tension leads to slippage. The KP666-045C addresses this mechanical challenge with a textured, knurled groove that provides positive engagement with the wire at lower tension settings.

This kit is rated for wire diameters of .035" (0.9 mm) and .045" (1.2 mm), covering the most common sizes used for general fabrication and structural repairs with the SP-175 Plus. The teeth of the knurled roller grip the wire securely, pushing it through the liner and gun cable with consistent force. This consistency is critical for maintaining a stable arc length and preventing issues like stubbing or burn-back, which are frequently misdiagnosed as voltage or contact tip problems but often originate at the feeder.

Genuine Lincoln Electric components are built to withstand the rigors of industrial environments. The KP666-045C is machined from high-grade steel and heat-treated to resist wear, ensuring that the knurling remains sharp and effective even after feeding thousands of pounds of wire. The kit is designed for quick changeovers, allowing operators to switch between solid wire setups and flux-cored setups with minimal downtime.

For welders who demand reliability from their equipment, using the correct drive roll geometry is non-negotiable. Using a smooth groove on cored wire often results in flattened wire that jams in the contact tip, while using a knurled groove on solid wire can shave metal shavings into the liner. This specific kit ensures you have the exact tool required for cored wire applications on your SP-175 Plus, preserving the integrity of the wire and the longevity of your welding gun liner.