Must ARC shields (ferrules) be removed from studs after welding?

The correct answer states that the ARC shields, or ferrules, shall be broken free after welding. This is important because leaving them intact can potentially lead to issues such as inadequate penetration and strength in the weld. The ferrules are designed to protect the weld area from contamination and help maintain a proper arc during the welding process. However, once the welding is complete, they need to be removed or broken free to ensure that any residual impurities or obstructions do not affect the quality of the weld or the structural integrity of the assembly.

While some may suggest that the ferrules can stay on, maintaining them in place can lead to complications during inspection or when achieving the final surface clean-up. Cleaning them instead of removal could seem viable, but the purpose of breaking them free is ultimately to ensure that any weld defects or surface issues can be adequately assessed and addressed. Therefore, breaking the ferrules free is a critical step in the welding process as prescribed by the standards outlined in the AWS D1.1 code.