What is the term for the distance from the end of the contact tip to the end of the wire?

• A. Stick out
• B. Contact distance
• C. Wire length
• D. Gap

Answer: (A)

In MIG welding, the distance from the end of the contact tip to the end of the wire is called the stick-out. It’s the portion of wire that protrudes beyond the contact tip and directly influences how the arc behaves. A longer stick-out adds electrical resistance and cools the arc, which can make it harder to maintain a stable arc and may increase spatter or require adjusting welding settings. A shorter stick-out puts more heat into the weld and helps keep the arc stable, but if it’s too short, the wire can actually touch the tip or workpiece and cause feeding or arcing issues. This is the term you’d use to describe that specific distance, distinct from the overall wire length or any gap to the workpiece.