Stick welding, formally known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), is one of the oldest, most trusted, and widely used welding methods in the world. It's a highly reliable technique that uses a consumable electrode coated in flux to lay the weld. As the electrode melts, the flux coating forms a protective gas and slag layer, shielding the weld from contamination and ensuring a strong, clean bond. Stick welding is incredibly versatile and can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments—even in harsh weather or on dirty, rusty, or painted surfaces where other methods might fail.

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This makes it a favorite in heavy-duty industries such as construction, shipbuilding, pipeline work, and structural steel fabrication. While it may not offer the precision of TIG or the speed of MIG, stick welding stands out for its simplicity, toughness, and ability to get the job done in demanding conditions. It's the backbone of traditional welding, delivering solid, durable welds in places where other methods simply can’t perform.