
When you are faced with the challenge of welding stainless steel to mild steel, the ESAB OK Tigrod 309L is the rod you want in your hand. Known among professional fabricators as the "universal problem solver," this 3.2mm (1/8") TIG rod is specifically formulated to handle the dilution that occurs when two different metals melt together. Whether you are fabricating brackets, repairing heavy equipment, or working on custom automotive exhausts where different steel grades meet, this rod ensures a strong, crack-free bond that won't fail under pressure.
ESAB's "OK" series is legendary for a reason. These rods feature an incredibly clean surface finish that promotes smooth feeding through your hand and stable arc characteristics. You will notice the difference immediately: the puddle wets out smoothly at the toes, the arc remains focused, and the resulting bead has that classic, colorful stack-of-dimes appearance that TIG welders strive for. The 3.2mm size is perfect for filling larger gaps or running thicker root passes where a smaller rod would just melt away too fast.
Don't risk cracking your welds by using a standard 308L rod on mild steel. The 309L chemistry is richer in chromium and nickel, compensating for the iron dilution from the mild steel side. This 5kg tube gives you plenty of material for large projects or to keep stocked in the shop for those unexpected repair jobs. It is also the correct choice for the first pass (buffer layer) if you plan to clad a piece of carbon steel with stainless. Weld with confidence knowing you are using one of the most trusted filler metals in the industry.
| Additional Information |
|---|
| Brand:ESAB |
| Diameter:3.2mm (1/8") |
| Grade:309 |
| AWS Spec:ER309L |
| Packaging:5 kg Tube |
| Weld Process:TIG (GTAW) |
| Material Composition:Stainless Steel |
| Alloy Type:Austenitic Cr-Ni |
| Shielding Gas:100% Argon |
| Current Type:DC(-) |
| Rod Length:1000mm |
| Ferrite Content:FN 3-10 |
| Packaging Description:5kg tube |
| Polarity:DCEN |