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165332R150 - ESAB OK Tigrod 309L 1/8" Stainless Steel TIG Filler Rod 5kg

Packaging: 5kg tube
$58.23/kg $183.30/5kg tube only $36.66/kgSave 37%

In stock

OVERVIEW

The Ultimate Problem-Solver for Dissimilar Metal Welding

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

INCLUDED

  • 1 x 5kg Tube of ESAB OK Tigrod 309L 3.2mm TIG Welding Rods

APPLICATIONS

  • Joining austenitic stainless steels to unalloyed or low-alloy steels
  • Buffer layers on mild steel prior to stainless cladding
  • Root runs in clad steels
  • Petrochemical plant maintenance
  • Power generation equipment fabrication
  • General fabrication involving dissimilar metal joints

FAQ

ER309L is primarily used for welding dissimilar metals, specifically joining stainless steel to mild (carbon) steel. It is also used for the first layer (buffer layer) when cladding stainless over carbon steel.

Yes, you can, but it is not the most economical choice. ER308L is the standard rod for 304-to-304 welding. ER309L has a higher alloy content and is designed for dissimilar joints, though it will produce a sound weld on 304.

100% Argon (welding grade) is the recommended shielding gas for TIG welding with this rod.

TIG welding with stainless steel rods like the OK Tigrod 309L is performed using DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative), also known as Straight Polarity.

The 'L' stands for 'Low Carbon'. This indicates that the carbon content is restricted to a maximum of 0.03%, which helps prevent carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion.

While it varies slightly by exact density and length, a 5kg tube of 3.2mm x 1000mm stainless steel TIG rods typically contains approximately 100 to 110 rods.

309L is generally used for service temperatures up to roughly 300-400°C for structural applications. For higher temperatures, specific high-heat grades or non-L grades might be preferred depending on the code requirements.

CATALOGUE & SPEC SHEETS

Spec Sheet