A welding stud is attachable to a workpiece at a work end portion shaped for enhanced attachment strength with the workpiece. The welding stud has a portion of reduced thickness along a body portion between the work end portion and a retaining collar. The reduced thickness portion is furnished to yield or bend in the event of contact by some other body or piece and preserve the integrity of the attachment weld. The work end portion may also have an enlarged contact face with increased surface area for forming the weld.