KP1697-052C - Lincoln Electric .052 Flux-Cored Drive Roll Kit for LN-25 and Power Feed Series

Technical Overview of the Lincoln KP1697-052C Drive Roll Kit

The Lincoln Electric KP1697-052C is a specialized drive roll and wire guide kit engineered specifically for the transport of .052-inch (1.3 mm) cored welding wires. This kit is designed for compatibility with Lincoln Electric wire feeders and MIG welding power sources that utilize a two-roll wire drive system. Notable compatible units include the LN-25X®, LN-25 PRO®, Power Feed®, and Active8X™ series feeders. The kit is an essential component for operators transitioning to or maintaining setups for flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) or metal-cored welding applications where positive wire traction is critical.

The core components of this kit are the two drive rolls featuring a knurled groove geometry. Unlike smooth V-groove rolls used for solid wires, knurled rolls possess a textured surface that bites into the softer, tubular shell of cored wires. This mechanical engagement allows for consistent wire feed speeds without the need for excessive drive roll tension, which can crush or deform cored wires and lead to feeding issues or liner clogging. The knurling ensures that the wire is pushed consistently through the gun cable, even when the cable is curved or long, maintaining a stable arc during welding operations.

In addition to the drive rolls, the KP1697-052C kit includes a specific split wire guide (inner wire guide). This guide plays a pivotal role in the feeding mechanism by aligning the wire as it enters the drive rolls and supporting it immediately upon exit. The "split" design facilitates easier installation and cleaning. More importantly, the tight tolerance of the guide tube relative to the .052" wire diameter significantly reduces the risk of "bird nesting"—a common failure mode where the wire buckles and tangles before entering the liner. By constraining the wire path, the guide ensures smooth transmission of force from the rolls to the wire.

Installation of the KP1697-052C is straightforward, adhering to the standard maintenance procedures for Lincoln 2-roll feeders. The components are manufactured from hardened steel to resist wear from the abrasive nature of knurled feeding and the wire itself. This kit represents a direct OEM replacement or upgrade, ensuring that the dimensional tolerances match the feeder's hub and guide mounting points perfectly, thereby eliminating alignment issues that can cause premature wear or erratic feeding.