Regulator Accessories FAQs
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about flowmeters, cylinder connectors, adaptors and other regulator accessories.
How do I read a flowmeter correctly?
A flowmeter has a small ball or float inside a tapered tube, and the ball rises as the gas flow increases. Mount the flowmeter upright, because it will not read correctly if it is tilted, and set the flow with the torch trigger pressed so that gas is actually moving.
The maker's instructions show which part of the ball to read against the scale, often the top of it. Look at the scale straight on, not from above or below, to avoid reading it wrongly. Readings are usually in litres per minute.
What is a nozzle flow tube and how do I use it?
It is a simple test tube that fits over the torch nozzle so you can see how much gas is really coming out at the point of welding. You press the torch trigger without striking an arc, read the flow from the tube, and compare it with what the flowmeter shows.
It is a quick way to find leaks, blockages and wrong settings without welding a test piece. It suits MIG and TIG torches, and it is worth checking after changing a hose, a torch or a nozzle.
Why does a carbon dioxide regulator sometimes need a heater?
When carbon dioxide leaves a cylinder and expands, it gets very cold. At higher flows this can freeze the regulator, and the flow then becomes unsteady or stops altogether, which spoils the weld.
A regulator heater warms the regulator body to prevent this. It is an electrical device, so check that its voltage matches your supply, keep the cable and plug in good condition and away from sharp edges, and follow the maker's instructions. For light or short jobs it is not always needed, but it is worth having for long welds or high flows.
What are cylinder quick connectors and when are they useful?
A quick connector fits between the cylinder and the hose or flowmeter and lets you connect and disconnect the gas without a spanner. They are common with small and portable cylinders, where cylinders are changed often and speed is useful.
Some are fixed-flow types set to a particular flow rate, and others are variable. Check the marking and the instructions for the gas, the flow range and the cylinder type. As with any gas fitting, check the connection for leaks after you make it, and keep it clean and free of oil.