If there is excessive spatter going all over the work during SMAW, ______ the arc length.

• A. Shorten
• B. Lengthen
• C. Maintain
• D. Reposition

Answer: (A)

Excessive spatter in SMAW comes from an arc that is too long. A longer arc is less focused and transfers metal more violently, which throws droplets into the weld area. Shortening the arc length concentrates the energy, stabilizes the arc, and improves droplet control, reducing spatter. Just be careful not to shorten so much that the electrode sticks or the weld pool becomes unstable.