Top 10 Tools For Apprentice Welders (Boilermaker, Pipe welder, Iron worker)

[richardkawucha]

Started my Boilermaker apprenticeship (Detroit Local 169) in Feb. 1976. Been retired for some time now. When I started the first day the union steward told me I had to get: a good knife, a 25' tape, a crescent wrench, wire brush, and slag hammer. When he saw me and asked for any of them, I should be able to produce it.
I carried a small container holding an assortment of burr bits, 4" wire wheels and grinder wheels, a lightweight welding whip, a green welding coat, light TIG gloves, heavy welding gloves, "hot mill" gloves. A folding set of allen wrenches, a folding set of screwdrivers, and a small welding hood. All fit in my 5 gal. Plastic bucket with the "Seat Buddy". On my rigging belt I carried 3 spud wrenches (3 different sizes), a snap clip for my crescent wrench, two canvas bags two drift pins, a 4 pound beater (sledge), and a couple of shackles.
Your respirator is "safety equipment", as such is the requirement of the employer to supply, not you (per OSHA). For respirators you also need to be evaluated to see if you can wear one.
If you're a welder, as I was, you're wearing the wrong boots. A welder shouldn't be wearing boots with a welt/seam across the toes. That's a perfect place for sparks/bb's to get trapped and burn the threads and your feet.
After retiring from the Boilermakers I went to work for Michigan OSHA.

[Dak]

I just got into the boilermakers union as an apprentice. My first gig starts on Monday. Cheers!

[HollowSword]

I work with pipe welders we use grinders with wire wheels, grinding discs, cutting discs, knifing discs, flap discs, shifters, spacing tools, files, air blower to stop condensation, white marker to write on pipes, templestick to test temp of steel, propane torch, tool for removing grinding discs, welding gloves. Duck Board for lying on, welding tongs.

[Mark-hfrm]

I think probably the most important tool any trade would need is a multi tool. Every aspect of it is used daily and can be used in a lot of scenarios in a pinch

[jwomack]

Lincoln 2x4c is by far the best 2x4 auto lens out there. I’ve used it in the field and it hasn’t failed me. Good for mig, tig, and stick.

[ypaulbrown]

love that light on your hood....bravo, cheers from Florida, Paul

[martialme]

Since i'm not a welder but kinda wanna start getting into it as a hobby, i appreciate this tip-section for beginners. Thanks, man.

[gransenpai]

2x4 c series from lincoln works great for me 180~ at airgas you can order em too. They use tiny batteries that are real cheap and last a while my last two lasted 3 months doing production welding 7 12s can't recommend them enough if your running 2x4 they're variable shade too

[WDAN]

For boots must have is Steeltoes. Also hearing protection and most importantly a lighter.

[chrisweldz]

Nice video man I've been applying for a few welding positions for the past week but had no luck and I'm also in College learning to weld for almost 3 years and since ealry this semester I've started using my gearpack or tool backpack to carry all the necessary things like Grinders, tape measure, soap stones, welding jacket, a hood and other essetmails that we need to do the job.

[GrzesSobieski]

You left some things out. Don’t forget your weed, crack pipe, thermos with booze and large backpack to steal stuff.

[ashesashes]

i’ve had good luck with the arc one singles 240 HD lens. simple design, good sensitivity, good clear color and quality glass. affordable too. time will tell on longevity though

[troydenson]

I really like my TrueArc gold auto lens

[gustavocoimbra]

Please record a video explaining the differences between welders and boilermakers. I would like to know.

[Camigga]

Rn im using a 2 x 4 blue demon true view single shade lens. I like it because it’s more clear then the fixed shade i have. But it’s really bright imo

[MushySquishyy]

So when you use your boots do they ever catch on fire from the knots at the tip

[johnversluis]

On the boots I disagree your feet and your hands are vary important I recommend investing is a good PNW boots steal toe Nicks build boots with Kevlar for Woodland firefighters and they are build for decades of use and full resoleable and rebuildable ! Your on your feet 10-14 hours a day PROTECT your feet I have the wrong boots and sized wrong for 20 years and I have feet problems now because of poor quality footwear ! I like the stuff your saying but DON't go cheap on PPE because any injury will take you out of the game for short time and long time and this can effect your ability to make money to take care of your family !! Be careful out there

[johnf]

What is the brand of your boots they look nice great looking boot …

[hubertrobinson]

I don't use a tool belt it encourages you to carry things on you all day that you won't use ill put stuff in and like you said hang it somewhere handy to me it's just a packsaddle I agree with on your selection of tools though

[DG-uwwx]

Switch to leather laces ... [JIW] 378