Use Hand tools

Select hand tools

10 Must-have tools for welding students

Safety glasses

Safety glasses are necessary for the protection of welders` eye from flying

sparks and debris. The glasses must have non-tinted clear lenses.

Auto-darkening welding helmet

Auto darkening welding helmets safeguard a welder from flying sparks and

debris hitting the face and also protects their eyes from the blindingly fluorescent welding spark.

Chipping hammer

A chipping hammer is used for removing welding slag and welding spatter from welds.

Wire Brush

A wire brush is used for cleaning off debris before, after and between each

pass to avoid contamination of the weld

Gauntlet cuff gloves (MIG WELDING)

A pair of gauntlet gloves for MIG welding has free wrist movement and firm finger pockets.

TIG Welding gloves

TIG welding gloves have thinner and more flexible material with fire-resistant fabric.

Proban Welding jacket

Proban welding jackets are thick and fire resistant and they protect a welder`s body well.

Ear protection

Welding can be a loud operation and requires an intense level of

concentration. Ear plugs can help maintain focus by drowning out

external noise and also prevent damage to the welder`s ears.

Soapstone

High-quality industrial soapstone marker is used to mark the metal and

determine where the welds are to be made.

MIG Pliers

MIG pliers are essential components of a welder`s kit. They can be used for various small functions.

Cutting off burned wire before starting a new bead

Removing contact tip from the gun

Cleaning spatters out of the gun nozzle

Removing the gun gas diffuser

Propping up a piece to hold it in place for welding

A welder utilizes many other tools for their trade, but the essentials

mentioned above are the basic ones that a student needs to learn the skill

Maintain handtools

Here are some tips to take good care of your hand tools:

Keep them Clean

Always, all tools must remain free of debris and dust, which can cause

damage over a long time. Cleaning your tools will take only a few minutes.

It is well worth to spend time cleaning the tools compared to the cost of

repairing or replacing them.

You can clean hand tools by simply wiping all over with a rag. If the tools

are dirty, do not hesitate to provide a good wash with water and soap. Only

take care to dry them properly soon after. Sprinkle metal with a light coat

of WD-40 and wipe with a clean rag. You may do well by leaving a light film

on the tools to keep rust at bay. Wooden handles may be cleaned with a

rag dampened with a bit of linseed oil.

Inspect and Repair

One must inspect and do the necessary repair for the following:

Splintered, cracked or loose handles:

In case a wooden handle is damaged, it is prone to breaking during

use, with the potential to injure someone. If the handle is not

damaged too much, you can sand it down just fine. If the handle is

too rough, first sand against the grain. Sand till it is smooth enough to

run your hand along it, without sensing splinters or chips. Complete

the process with a coating of linseed oil. But if there is heavy

splintering, you must replace the tool.

Mushroomed heads on wedges and chisels

A mushroomed head is literally just that. It implies that the striking

edge which must be sharp has become malformed through use.

When you use a tool in this state, the head can shatter on impact.

Luckily, you can solve this problem by keeping tools sharpened. It is

good to sharpen them whenever you notice a problem. Make it a

habit to sharpen tools at least once every six months.

Rust and corrosion

Based on the level of rust or corrosion, it may be unsafe to use the

tool. Try to remove the rust by yourself or simply replace the tool.

Getting rid of rust is quite easy in case there is no great damage.

Proper Storage

Cleaning your tools is of no use if you don’t store them properly.

Based on your needs, a simple toolbox will suffice. In case you own a

big collection of tools or use them professionally, a great option is a

metal cabinet. All tools must be sorted and organized and replaced in

their stipulated storage area after use. This way you can not only

access them quickly but also keep them safe.

Ideally, the tools should not rub against each other when stored.

Some companies have designed storage systems to cater to this

need. Keep all tools in a dry area, safe from moisture, direct sunlight

and dust. Sharp tools like chisels must be stored in a holder to

prevent injury. Also, do not leave tools in the work area for fear of

posing as a serious hazard.