Clean an electrode holder?

[posixPilot]

Try tightening it until you can just barley move the rod in and out. Work it back and forth and see if things gets better. If not, something more abrasive will be needed.

I tried scraping at it a bit with the end of a rod, and I could see that I wasn't making any progress.

Some people like the screw type but I find them annoying.

Tongs are much handier, you can also grab the rod at angles other than 90 degree

I think I'm going to fall into the "annoyed" category ... the next time I need to order some stuff on-line, you can bet a clamp style holder will be in my shopping basket.

I just tried some acetone on a paper towel to see if the Everlast electrode holder would melt- both the handle and the head held up just fine.

Can you stick small rat tailed file in and clean it that way?

If the acetone doesn't work, then I'll probably pick up a small file and give it a try. I might see if I can find a good dremel bit that won't gouge the electrode (like a thin grinding bit).

Thanks for the ideas guys.
Mike