The Best Welding Tools When You’re Just Starting Out

When you first step into the world of welding, it’s essential to begin with, the right set of tools.

But how do you know where to start?

Whether you’re a hobbyist or starting your career as a welder, check out our list of must-have welding tools.

Safety First

Welders are exposed to several dangers, some immediate and others long-term.

Taking the time to invest in the proper safety equipment will save your health later down the line.

Helmet: Don’t start welding without one.

During the welding process, UV lights are emitted from the electricity. Plus, extreme light can cause severe damage to your eyes.

Then there are the sparks flying from the metal at intense heat, which can cause irreparable damage.

Plain and simple: You need to protect your face and head.

Most of your employers will require you to invest in an auto-darkening helmet, which knows when you begin welding and adjusts the light accordingly. A computer inside the helmet protects your eyes during the welding process and changes back to normal when you’re done.

For total reviews on welding helmets, click here.

Gloves: Always protect your hands.

Without your hands, you can’t weld. So it would be best to protect them from hot metal, sharp edges, fire, and more.

Make sure you find a thick pair for protection but remember that you still need to feel the weld.

Are you looking for suggestions? Check out our reviews on welding gloves to find the pair that fits you best.

Boots: Watch your feet

You’ll be on your feet, so ensure they’re covered and comfortable.

Boots for welding should come with a guard to prevent burns, and you may want to invest in a steel toe for added safety.

When you’re looking for welding boots, also make sure there’s a thick rubber sole for protection, but make sure it’s light enough that you’ll be able to walk comfortably in them all day.

For a full review of work boots for welders, click here.

Fire Extinguisher: Always be prepared.

You’re going to be working with flames and heated metal. It would be best if you were ready in case an accident happened.

Make sure the fire extinguisher you choose isn’t too small and capable of covering your work area.

It needs to be mounted where you can reach it quickly — and ensure you know how to use it.

You should also invest in a first aid kit made for welders.

Welding Tools You Can’t Do Without

Welding involves more metal preparation than actual welding. You’ll need to cut material, bevel, miter, and more — which means you’ll need a lot of tools.

Here are your must-haves:

MIG pliers.

MIG pliers will be one of your go-to welding tools. They have several uses, including removing spatter, cleaning nozzles, clipping wire, and replacing tips.

When you weld, wire feeds through your welding machine, torch cables, and clogs. You’ll quickly work through this with a good pair of MIG pliers.

Hammers.

Eventually, you’ll build a collection of hammers, but when you’re beginning, two or three will get the job done.

Hammers are used for removing stuck metal, chipping, shaping, straitening, and several other functions.

Make sure to invest in quality hammers. Stay away from wood handles, which can slip and break easier.

Adjustable Wrench.

If you’re gas welding, invest in an adjustable wrench that’s a minimum of 10 inches so you can tighten the regulator. You can also use it to pry apart metal.

Tools for Metal

Metal is a welder’s clay, so you must have the right tools to work with it.

Clamps, clamps, and more clamps.

In the world of welding, clamps will always be on your shopping list.

Be sure to pick up a variety of clamps, but primarily C clamps and welding clamps. Before working with it, you’ll use them to secure your metal.

After all, if you take the time to measure and cut your pieces and have nothing to hold them down when you start welding them, you will end up with a warped mess of a project.

Bessey Rapid Action Clamps are highly rated for their ease of use and durability. However, you may be able to find used clamps online or at garage sales.

Saws: Chop saw and Portaband

As a welder, you’re going to need to make some cuts. Whether you choose the chop saw or Portaband saw is up to you.

If you’re a hobbyist, you might opt for the Portaband because the chop saw tends to be much louder and throws a lot of sparks. However, both make clean cuts.

Grinders

The grinder is a necessity and one you’ll use a lot, but it’s also dangerous, so it’s important to keep safety in mind.

Grinders are used for several functions, including:

• Cutting
• Finishing
• Cleaning
• Beveling
• Preparing metal

Because they’re so helpful, investing in a good grinder is essential. Check out this one by Milwaukee, for starters.

Die grinder.

We mentioned grinders are versatile, and the die grinder is a step up from the regular version.

This welding tool is used for beveling and feathering but on a finer scale.

Sawzall.

Have you ever had an itch you can’t scratch? How about a cut you can’t get with a Portaband?

That’s where the Sawzall comes in. It gets into those hard-to-reach places where the Portaband can’t go.

A Sawzall may not be one of the welding tools you need daily, but when you do, there’s no substitute.

I am cutting the torch.

Eventually, you’ll want to invest in a plasma torch, but if you’re a hobbyist or just beginning your welding career, the price of this welding tool can be overwhelming.

A Jigsaw with a bimetal blade is a good option for beginners. It will get the job done and won’t leave your wallet so light.

Acetylene Cutting torch.

This tool helps cut plates and bending and heat metal.

You can even cut circles with this setup or bend plates to 90 degrees.

If you’re into Oxy-Acetylene welding, switch the torch from cutting to welding, get your filler metal, and you’re ready to weld.

Tools for Measuring

As the saying goes, “Measure twice, cut once.”

And when it comes to welding, measuring correctly saves you time and money — so having the right welding tools is essential.

Tape measure.

You probably already have a tape measure of four lying around, but be sure you always have one with your welding tools.

A 25- or 30-foot tape measure works best with welding projects because you always know you’ll have enough tape.

Speed Square.

Squares help you make 45 and 90-degree cuts quickly and accurately, so they’re a must-have welding tool.

Invest in a small and a large square. If all you have on hand is a small square and you start work on a large project, you’ll be out of luck.

Soapstone or pen.

You need to have something to make clear, crisp lines to mark your measurements for cutting.

Soapstone is a rock mineral that appears white on metal and withstands the intense heat of torches and welding tools, which is why it’s often found in welding shops.

You can also use soapstone to draw shapes in the metal and create cutouts.

Depending on the type of metal cut, some welders will make their mark using a Sharpie or scriber. A scriber makes a minor groove in the metal so you can see where to cut.

Welding table.

This is one of the essential welding tools you’ll buy.

Make sure you have plenty of surface area and storage for your tools.

You may even be tempted to weld one yourself!

Some welders like to have an extra rolling cart to make it easier to move welding tools and supplies around the room. After all, putting casters on a workbench is not very practical.

Do You Need a Welder?

To buy or not to buy?

Although some people don’t need an excuse to buy a new tool, others don’t have the money to invest immediately in a purchase as big as a welder.

If you’re not ready to take the full plunge just yet, that’s OK. You can rent welders for as little as four hours to weeks at a time.

That means no maintenance or cleaning on your part.

However, there are times when buying a welder makes sense.

Many people who repair cars or tools invest in welders to save time and money, and others like the convenience of not having to take parts to a shop.

Tools of the Trade

When first learning how to weld, having the right tools can make all the difference.

The process moves smoothly and quicker when you’re prepared with the right equipment.

What were the first welding tools you bought when you started? Do you still have them today? Tell us in the comments!