TIG Welding Rods

TIG Welding Rods from ESAB, Murex & SWP: Stainless Steel, Mild Steel, Aluminium & Bronze

Weldtech stocks a focused range of TIG filler rods and brazing rods from three trusted manufacturers: ESAB, Murex and SWP. Across the range of welding; from  stainless steel fabrications, repairing mild steel panels in your garage, or working aluminium sheet, you'll find the right grade and diameter in stock at our Dalston shop or available here online for next-day delivery.

Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rods

Our stainless range covers the four most-useful grades for TIG welding. 308L is the standard filler for 304/304L stainless steel and it's the default choice for general fabrication with stainless. 316L adds molybdenum for marine, chemical and food-grade applications where corrosion resistance matters (that's especially important for our parent company First Engineering). 310 grade stainless welding rods handle the requirements of high-temperature components such as furnace parts and exhaust systems. 309L is your go-to filler for joining stainless to mild steel or for welding dissimilar stainless grades together.

Mild Steel TIG Rods

For general fabrication and structural work, we stock copper-coated mild steel rods from both ESAB and SWP. Copper coating reduces rusting in storage and improves weldability. SWP's A15 rods are also compatible with oxy-acetylene welding for those who switch between processes.

Aluminium TIG Welding Rods

SWP's aluminium TIG rods are available in 4043 and 5356 grades, in 1.6mm, 2.4mm and 3.2mm diameters. 4043 offers better weldability with smoother welds and less smut, making it the most popular all-round choice with TIG welders; but avoid it if the finished part will be anodised, as it turns dark grey in the anodising process. For anodised work, and for structural applications where higher strength and ductility matter, 5356 is the correct grade.

Silicon Bronze Brazing Rods

Brazing can be carried out on a TIG rig. And while our SWP silicon-bronze rods are technically brazing rods rather than welding rods, they're commonly used with TIG equipment. They're ideal for joining dissimilar metals including steel, cast iron, copper and brass making them particularly useful for automotive panel repair and decorative metalwork.

All stainless and mild steel rods are supplied in 5kg packs with 1000mm length. Aluminium rods come in 2.5kg packs. Not sure which grade suits your base metal? Call our Carlisle team.

TIG Welding Rod FAQs

Q 1: What diameter TIG rod should I use for my material thickness?

A: Match your rod diameter to your base metal thickness as a starting point. For sheet metal up to 2mm, use 1.0mm or 1.6mm rod. For material between 2mm and 4mm, 2.4mm rod gives good control. For panels over 4mm, step up to 3.2mm. It's better to be slightly under than over — a thinner rod gives finer puddle control and reduces burn-through risk on thin material.

Q 2: Which stainless grade do I choose - 308L, 309L or 316L?

A: If you know you're welding 304 stainless, 308L is the correct match and the most economical option. If the finished weld will see saltwater, chemicals or food contact, use 316L for its molybdenum-enhanced corrosion resistance. If you're joining stainless to mild steel, or you're unsure of the stainless grade you're working with, 309L is the safer choice: it handles dissimilar metals well without cracking.

Q 3: Can I use aluminium TIG rods with my existing TIG welder?

A: Only if your machine has AC output. DC-only TIG welders handle steel and stainless but cannot break through aluminium's oxide layer. You need AC (alternating current) to TIG weld aluminium. If you're not sure what your machine outputs, bring the model number to our Dalston shop and we'll confirm compatibility.

Q 4: Are Weldtech's rods in stock or do I need to order?

A: All listed TIG rods are stocked at our Dalston shop near Carlisle. Standard rods can be collected the same day, and we offer next-day delivery online. If you need a specific grade quickly, call 01228 713 458 to confirm stock before visiting: sizes sell out fairly regularly, particularly 1.6mm and 2.4mm stainless.