8 Essential Welding Tools (All For Under $50)

In this video I run through some of my favorite sub $50 welding tools and accessories.

In this video I run through some of my favorite sub $50 welding tools and accessories.

I get a ton of questions from new metal workers wondering how to improve their workflow using inexpensive tools. These 8 + tools will help you work more efficiently buy saving time and energy!

Below are some links to tools I used in this project.
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Silver Streak Marker: ($8)

Magnetic V-Pads: ($24)

Inexpensive Corner Jigs: ($29)

Ollie Iron Corner Jigs:

Fireball Tool Squares:

10 Pack Vise Grip Clamps ($51)

1-2-3 Blocks 2-Pack ($18):

Magnetic Torch Holder: ($19)

Grasshopper 3rd Hand ($26)

House of Chop 3rd Hand:

Speed Square and Combo Square Combo Pack: ($10)

Check out the Lincoln Electric Power Mig 140MP, great for the home shop, Mig, TIG, and Stick in 1 machine!

Thank you to Pferd abrasives for supporting my shop and my channel. For links to some of the grinding discs I use most see below:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

→ Flap disc:

→ Inside corner disc (AMAZING):

→ Wire Wheel:

Thanks for watching! Be careful, know the limits of your skills and your tools! Don't try this stuff at home!

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We teach classes in woodworking and welding here at the shop, if your interested see the current schedule here.

For PDFs of some of our project check out our profile on Instructables:

Below are some links to tools I use in the shop on a daily basis.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

→ Bosch Miter Saw ( My Favorite miter saw)

→ Sawstop Table Saw:

→ Wen Tabletop Metalcutting Bandsaw

→ Articulated Vise:

→ Bosch Portable Bandsaw ( 18V)

→ Porter Cable Restorer:

→ Lincoln 120V Welder ( good for a home shop)

→ The Camera I use:

→ The Tripod I use:

[garymoore]

An old dog here, learning new tricks that didn't exist when I ran a Miller stick welder. Some of these tools would have come in real handy forty years ago.
Thanks for your efforts on my behalf.

[rustydodge]

The sharpener for the Silver Streak mechanical pencil is the cap/button. Pull it off place it over the lead and spin it between your fingers. Perfect point every time. 👍

[mcgam]

As a welder/machinist/carpenter I like the use of the 1-2-3 blocks

[derekmoore]

My favorite "marker"... masking tape.
It wouldn't hold up to heat like soapstone or a scribe, but if your cutting "cold", it works great and leaves nothing behind. There's also no way that you won't see your mark. You can also label the part on the tape.

[garfield]

Great ideas.
Inflation has really hit this stuff.
It is still worth it, just takes a little longer to get the collection.
If a guy was starting out welding he could do worse than go to Stronghand Tools and just ordering 1 of everything.
If you can't afford that get one of everything that is under $50.

[markfryer]

A lot of interesting tips here. One thing I would add is that you don't have to rush out and buy all of these things straight away. If you have the money ok go for it, but otherwise make a list of things that you need and then buy something gradually. Keep an eye on your local tool shops for their regular sales. Or if you buy online, budget your purchases to qualify for the free postage.

[desertratedc]

My little brother is taking welding classes in jobcorp and I wanted to get him some good tools as a automotive technician I don't know much about welding but I know the value of having the right tools and good made ones. Thank you for making this video!

[deankay]

Bought my first pair of Auto-Adjust vise grip type of pliers in 1984. I got 4 pairs for $6.40 each. I put my tool owners manuals with receipt & copy of warranty in file and saw the receipt. Same year I bought my 150 Amp MiG. Back then a 125 Cu. Ft. tank of 25/75 shield gas set me back $18 plus $1.50 delivery fee. I keep the extra tips & wire rollers in zip bag next to 6 SnapOn distributor wrenches. They look cool next to the chrome Tach/Dwell meter. Does that make you experienced or old? I think both. Cool tools! Better than the 1968 set of “Globe Master” tool kit I used. I still have one Phillips, I put a 3/4” heater hose over the handle and ground the chrome cadnium tip into a nice hole punch. It won’t break?
I enjoyed the video. ASE Master Tech since 1978 (NIASE until they shortened it)

[corymcgrath]

Chris, this is a good list, but allow this old welder to expand.
Dividers that hold a soapstone
Chain grips with extentions
Wedges
Center finder
Good magnetic torpedo level
Centering punch
Ball peen hammer
Saskatchewan socket set ( Newfoundland, it's a TUMWRENCH, Lord thundering....)
Pin/prybar and spud.
Torchguide of choice ( can be a length of stock iron)
Dogs of various types (shop made usually)
Wrap around.
All this stuff is cheap too. But heavily needed.
Edit: forgot the torch (MAGlight)

[tomsdreamshopworx]

As Rusty dodge said below the sharpener is built into the cap at the back end. The other cool thing is that the silver streak reflects very well through the visor helmet, when you’re welding

[nomore]

I just purchased a TOOLIOM $140ish welder that does stick, mig & tig on 110Vac. Great little unit to learn on !!!

[JohnMGibby]

Love these kinds of videos where you show simple tools that provide maximum bang for buck!

[michael]

My Starret 1-2-3 blocks were expensive, but they really are very useful tools.

[HouseofChop]

Appreciate the 3rd Hand shoutout! Great video Chris. I use these tool all the time as well. I’d absolutely call everything you’ve shown “must haves” 🔥👍🏼🔥

[ralphnewcomejr]

Ive noticed with the cheaper finger clamps if you run a bead around the adjustment side joint between the handle & the finger jaw it makes it MUCH more sturdy...👍

[TechTimeWithEric]

A lot of "top whatever" videos just show a product and talk about it for a second. Thanks for going the extra mile to show them in use in a practical application.

[OhTorch]

Outstanding, no bs, and unpretentious video. I greatly appreciate your sincerity and no nonsense approach to delivering helpful information to our community, sir. Subscribed!

[chrisose]

While I have the same Markal silver pencil I typically just use it part numbers or orientation marks. For accurate cuts I always use a scribe. My favorite is a retractable tip model I get from McMaster-Carr.

[stuartrechter]

That mechanical pencil you have has a lead sharpener in the end of it, so very easy to keep it sharp. It pulls out like the pencil eraser on some pencils, you sharpen your lead with it and put it back on the end of the pencil.

[charlesmoeller-vunq]

Thank you so much. I have ordered many of your items on your links. Tool Sq no long works