Several dressing devices are available. They might be air operated cutters or manual files. When this happens it should be removed as soon as possible. However, when welding coated materials this pickup continually occurs and it is not reasonable to clean the electrode after each weld. Care should be exercised when handling electrodes that the tip tapers are not damaged.
Damaged tapers can cause poor electrical contact and water leakage.
A conductive copper lube should be used on tip tapers to ease in removal and ensure a good electrical connection. Particular attention should be given to the entire secondary circuit, especially the joints. These joints should be examined for excess heat. Periodically they should be disassembled and cleaned. A copper lube should be used on these joints also to eliminate any oxidation.