19 Metal Fabrication Tips and Tools For Beginners

[@nairobie755]

If it's for work rather then hobby I'd highly recommend 4 grinders, two smaller and two big boys. It really saves on time not having to switch between grinding and cutoff wheels all the time.

[@FrisellFan01]

About a year ago....I was drawn into videos on metal fabrication after all the years of cars being my first love.....since I was 7 years old....all the cars shows I have been to over the years.....finally I was asking how did they do that ? Well after my first metal fabrication video on you tube I am addicted......now I can't get enough of metal fab videos.....and today I found your site. Your tips make a great addition.....and thanks for a fine channel.

[@seanb5664]

Nothing wrong with jamming out with ear buds while working I think it makes it more enjoyable

[@gxh4339]

Make More videos like this! It’s exactly what I was looking for to start fabricating

[@DirtLifestyle]

Glad to hear it!

[@AutoExpertJC]

Dude - awesome video. Thanks for posting. Engineer in Australia here. Brazing: Also deadset awesome for cast iron crack repair. Love your work, and again - thanks.

[@Gettinbentoffroad]

Can’t thank you enough for these videos you’ve motivated me to build my first bumper and I’m pretty proud of it for the money spent.

[@DirtLifestyle]

No problem! I'm happy to help give you some inspiration 👍

[@Kellygarreau]

5 grinders 1flap wheel 1grinding stone 1 cutoff wheel 1 wire brush. Add a 7" grinder for big jobs.

[@scottsherman8356]

great video. I laughed when you mentioned the tape measures. I do the same thing. I used to fabricate body panels. Loved it. Miss it at times. Last winter I took my 85 4 runner into my shop. And a buddy and I rebuilt/ beefed up the axles. Put a 4" lofty on it. I bought budget yet beefy parts. Some things needed to be "adapted". While others needed to be fabricated. Was a LOT of fun. It performed pretty good at EJS. Many tips, I already knew. Some refreshed my memory. Others, I hadn't thought of. I see videos like this, then wonder about the losers that give it thumbs down. Lol

[@vdubu1873]

The ear buds are a great tip. I have tinnitus from working around loud noises for over 25 years and ringing in my ears can be a distraction when working in the shop. I play music to cover the ringing but when wearing hearing protection the ringing is even more prevalent. Ear buds would definitely help drown out the ringing when spending a lot of time with the earmuffs on.

[@Hondeer]

Dimple Dies are a *must* when putting holes in any stressed member. I've seen so many people 'speed hole' parts to have them crack/shear later on through creating stress risers. Dimple Dies help the holes act as 'stress confusers' and help alleviate concentrations. Otherwise, don't speed hole anything that's stressed. Its not worth the risk. Great list!

[@rcsv54]

I agree in all the "small tips" they do actually make a huge difference

[@AJR2208]

Hi Nate - If you use your floor for marking out, try installing either "Drop-In Anchors" or "Lag Shields" (female bolt usually chemically set into concrete). They can turn your whole floor into a massive Fixture Plate by bolting jigs, clamps, frames, straps etc. Use them as a Datum (known reference point) for measuring and setting out. Keep countersunk or low profile bolts in them when not in use. (edit this bit - Also, a mobile vice stand can be secured for use, then put away when finished)

[@gasser55t]

That is an amazingly good idea!!!!!! Thank you.

[@fishhuntadventure]

A lag shield is neither a bolt nor chemically set into concrete. It’s a zinc alloy or lead alloy that anchors by expansion when a lag is installed. Your fixture locating ideas are great though.

[@AJR2208]

@@fishhuntadventure Hi fushhuntadventure - thanks for your reply. You are correct about lagshields expanding. My chemset reference was for the drop in anchors and I neglected to say expanding lagshield. I'm sure you know there are a lot of varieties for concrete anchors and bolting methods - I did not want to write an essay about it though.

[@boondock54x4]

Been doing this stuff for decades, I still like watching your stuff. Thanks, keep at it!

[@GrizzlyFab]

So I just listened to a podcast with Ryan Hussey who works for a R&D lab. Acetone, even tho it's clean and evaporates, leaves a film on the material. Not really a problem for mig or stick but could be for a highly critical job. Just food for thought. Great channel man! Keep posting these sweet vids!

[@gittyupalice96]

I agree on the Air chisel / air hammer. It can be used for pretty much anything... cutting out old metal (I've used it up to 3/16 thick steel) or if you have a old balljoint/tierod end or anything that is press fit, you can use to the air chisel to break it loose or just push it all the way apart. Not to mention I replaced a steering intermediate shaft on an old Dodge, and they are held in with pins, that you can't drive out with a hammer because there isn't enough room to swing.... AIR CHISEL to the rescue.. Its my new favorite tool lol.

[@AK-ui1zl]

Can’t beat a set of high quality step bits too. Massive time saver.

[@bigpapa3348]

I absolutely love watching your videos I'm a junior fabricator I'm trying to learn everything I can for a Bronco build and an ATV build for my daughter and myself. I love the tips and tricks that you give out I love watching your videos Stop giving haters spotlight. Who cares what they do or don't like you do amazing work

[@nathanielsmith6834]

I'm sure I am not the only one who would like to see a second video with the other 15 tips as well

[@DirtLifestyle]

If this video does well than I'll put together a part 2👍. Thanks for watching!

[@markfryer9880]

Yeah I will second that recommendation.

[@GoatOffroad]

When I was a fire watch for my Boo when he was a pipe fitter he used a porta-band saw and the lasers all the time. I know the porta-band was one of his favorite tools. Great video Nate!! Super helpful tips! ❤️🐞

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@DaddyBear3000]

I’ve been meaning to pick up a nibbler, but the two tape measures tip got the sub. I have six full size tape measures, all numbered, for the exact same reason. Also have a bunch of smaller measures. On the casters tip, use two fixed and two swivelling, MUCH more stable. Earbuds, YES! Kept me sane when working for days solo.

[@JohnnyChimpo907]

The more I dig into this channel, the more I love it. You do an incredible job in every single video.. Thank you for giving this to enthusiasts like me who want to learn and have never had a mentor or a buddy to show us how things are done.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man! Happy as hell to have you aboard 😁

[@joeidaho5938]

Great reminder about jigsaw. I have metal blades for it....but I've always forgotten that it can be used to cut steel. I love the brake tool....for bending or rolling steel. Never realized you could get one for such a low cost.

[@markfryer9880]

As a Maintenance Carpenter who also welds, I was across many of these tips but not all which is why I watched the video, there is always one or more tips to learn or remember.

[@garynew9637]

Me too.

[@garynew9637]

Same here, retired carpenter, love working with steel

[@fishhead6349]

Get you nice pair of knee pads! Makes a world of difference after working on the ground or floor for extended periods.

[@brianbirc]

FishHead I have seen guys wearing those doing floors and things. I get to work early before them sometimes and gave those pads a better name. I wrote Hollywood Sandals on the front. Nice yes ?

[@glutenfreegam3r177]

I was thinking the same thing! Years of flooring wrecked my knees.

[@brianbirc]

@@glutenfreegam3r177 Yes get some Hollywood Sandals. The guys in Hollywood know protecting their knees when on them a lot is important. They just call them sandals.

[@codymoncrief8478]

I really like the “skateboard” knee pads. The hard plastic cap is great for slamming into things and slides easily on concrete as well.

[@VictorManuel-pf7se]

I thought they were used to get a raise at work. Go figure.....

[@tommygrayjeepguy]

A bandsaw has been one of the best tool I’ve bought for my shop!

[@raulgil7389]

Knowledge like this is being spread/shared through media and in the past, it was withheld as industry secrets. Yay - nay fantástico

[@qmoonwalker3847]

You have decades of experience! Thanks for sharing. Never saw a nibbler before.....gotta get one!

[@jeepindave5464]

Im just here for the futurama stickers on your tools. Nibbler and bender were funny.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks! Glad you enjoyed the subtle humor

[@biggusdickus666]

Me too. Noticed that Nibbler sticker right away.

[@johnkruton9708]

I have several tape measures. My 2 Dewalts 30 & 16’ both broke only using occasionally. Switched to Milwaukee and love them have 3 of those 12’ 16’ 30’. BIG TIP is to check each tape measure against each other so you know that they can be trusted during a project with a lot of cutting and accurate measurements in both wood, trim and metal.

[@BombsAwayMineCraft]

Chalk line is a good one. We use them all the time In the ship yard, for layouts and stuff, and we clear over them as well. Good tip

[@samanthawhite2064]

I also use self leveling cross beam lasers, level laser, and digital tape measure, all items to make layout so simple.

[@FilteredInc]

I definitely am a fan of multiple grinders! I have different wheels (thick grinding wheel, wire brush, flap wheel, and cutting wheel) attached to each one so I don't have to change them out.

[@JamesDoylesGarage]

Wow Nate. Thank you so much. You're not just a knowledgeable fabricator, but you are a GREAT Teacher. I'm 14 and I've started my own car company and am building my own car. And I'm learning so much from you, it's a JOY to hang out with you in your shop. I started my own Shop tips. Casters is big lol. Let me share one with you. You have to get a portable exhaust system. You're a nice guy. I'd like to see you live long. All the best for now :)

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks buddy! I'm glad you have found the channel! It's great that you are building your own car. The challenges you will face are going to make you better in many ways and develop alot of important skills. I agree about the exhaust! I take my health seriously and I will put a plan together soon. 👍

[@jaredvanaken9611]

Good stuff! I went out and bought a second grinder, what a difference. Well worth it. Thanks!

[@uncleansanchez]

Been watching your channel for a while now and just wanted to complement you on the quality of your product. I also do a lot of fab work, alone, with no assistance and can appreciate what effort you invest. Keep up the good work.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man, happy someone can recognize the hard work I put into these videos 👍

[@aaronyoung5876]

There is SO much awesome info in here! And not just for beginners... I discovered the Speed Square this year, I now find me using it daily! Thanks again, cheers Aaron.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man! Very happy to see you enjoyed the video!

[@JacobAHull-nx6rx]

Some great tips. I bought an air hammer for an axle removal on a UTV last year. It had a crush pin in it that had to be removed to get the axle off. Man did it work awesome!

[@NotAMartian-1]

Love my jig saw, I love using old cars for their scrap metal and my jigsaw is what I use to cut everytime

[@marcmckenzie5110]

Great content - half the list are my own best practices, and I picked up a few as well. I do totally different things with my shop, but you can always learn from someone else!

[@timadams5046]

It may be elementary but buy a good vise and a bench grinder as some of the first tools for fabrication. I have three 4 1/2" angle grinders and need at least another. Lots of tape measures, they hide from you! Pencils at every work station to jot down a spec. Masking or blue painter's tape to label parts, material lengths, measurements, orientations, etc. In my welding cart I have pencil, soapstone, china marker, silver sharpie (shows up on steel) grease pencil, and a sharp scribe (ground down screwdriver) all for marking, I hate having to put the tape and the workpiece down and go hunt a rule! Great tips Nate! Now I wish my barely used Millermatic 211 was a 220 multi process!!!

[@redneckgearheadgarage495]

I buy a tape measure nearly every time I go to the store. I go from neck deep in them to none almost immediately. They disappear faster than 10mm.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol I know your pain

[@michaelwebb8788]

I'm the same. I am just starting get into fabricating but I learned from years as a carpenter to leave a tape measure clipped to the stand of my saw. I literally trained myself to measure something at the saw and immediately clip the tape measure back on the saw frame. That was a result of getting distracted in my shop, setting the tape measure down in some random area and then spending the frustrating 15+ minutes retracing my steps to find it. Not an efficient way to work at all.

[@colteng9721]

10mm what's that? I've never seen one

[@NOBOX7]

@@colteng9721 10 mm socket , the most common bolt on an a car engine bay or an engine

[@barnzYT]

Tape measures and chalk (soap stone) seem to go missing more than anything for me

[@user-sp4nx4ho1i]

These are great tips for everyone, not just beginners. You just earned yourself another subscriber!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@originaldanman]

As a self taught amateur I figured out tip 3 a couple years ago, certainly helped when fixing mistakes.

[@joecarmean1079]

More grinders! Whenever HF is having a big sale, and 4” grinders are $10-$15. Buy a couple. I have a grinder for each type of disc I use. Because they are cheap, when they poop 💩 out, I just throw them away, and get another one later. Also always look for tools at estate sales. You can get some great deals that way.

[@drewt3210]

100% agree! I'm an estate sale junkie. And I have 7 grinders...on the hunt for another large one. What do you do about cord management? I'm this close to biting the bullet and writing a big check to buy 6 cordless grinders.

[@joecarmean1079]

DrewT I have plans to build a welding table. I will have a 4 plug outlet permanently mounted to the side of the table. But until that happens. I just unplug and plug in each one as I need it.

[@drewt3210]

@@joecarmean1079 Cool beans. I have a power strip on my table too, but it seems my cords are always entangled. Drives me nuts!

[@Trials-and-Tribulations]

Cool welding rod tip, that would be great tip for fixing strut tower repairs.

[@mrelkoholics]

Use the belt clip on your tape , I always have one on my hip .Oh the humanity! I personally love the left to right reading tape ,great for layout at the saw as your not reading the tape upside down, and larger numbers for my old eyes. Cheers

[@emeryrowand2903]

WOW, I am blown away by your tips. I knew some of them, but they are so clever and I can see how they can make fabrication more accurate with less wasted material and time and also improve quality. Thank you so much for sharing much of what you have learned. I am planning to watch all of your videos and have subscribed.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you man! Happy to have you aboard!

[@the1khronohs40]

Lots of great tips, man! And I agree 100%; ear buds have saved my life many a time! 👍👍

[@Hellguy76131]

No shit for the earbuds tip. I used to have a job that would have me doing one task for 8 hours a day. Hearing protection was required. I’d pop in my ear buds and start a long playlist. It helped me get through the day and made it enjoyable. I could sing as loud as I wanted and nobody could hear me. 😝 Great tip.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks brother!

[@ErikWijnands72]

Top Shizzle! your last topic made my day!!! pre bend tubing to do a fast mock-up!! so simple yet so effective!

[@Dragrcer12]

Good list, a pneumatic body saw will change your life, works like a jig saw but a lot smaller and more maneuverable!

[@CD-W0DOS]

This guy is a carpenter for sure. We use most of these tools for metal framing.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol I'm a commercial plumber but we use alot of the same tools on the jobsite 👍

[@dylanbennett3851]

Quick add on to the "2 tapemessures tip" when you get your second tape check it with your first, some tapes read slightly different so it will save you a headache and material, and yes I learned this the hard way lol

[@emmam4302]

Dylan Bennett so true !

[@49DEXTER44]

Great video, during the quarantine after watching your videos. Decided to Learn to weld, bought a little 110 buzz box, and putting it on casters extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge

[@enriqueeligio9797]

I work in a shop where the same music plays every day for years and once I got some earbuds it changed my life it just makes the time pass way faster

[@lloyd-qt1mg]

Brazing 'swivel head' indispensable tool. Hey, thanks for such an EPIC trip with you , discussing some of your ' best friends'!

[@EvanMoon]

I am in the RV, and I have horrible Internet service. But this video is great so I am fighting to watch the end. Awesome videos as always Nate

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks brother! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch every video. Your constant support means alot 👍

[@corbandallas8644]

Huge thanks for the tips, I'll take as many free inside tips as possible. Stay up..

[@markjames4474]

I like the welding rod trick. Wish I’d learned that a few years ago....

[@beachwoodmosaictile5663]

Also being a tile love lasers, used them to find center wile three linking my first gen runner. Good tips bro, also the ear buds, took the idea from my dirt biking.

[@wilsonthesphere]

Thanks this are actually tips are actually useful and aren't super obvious like a grinder is used for remove material or a hole saw is used for making holes.

[@marcelc3037]

Just came across your channel and I have to say, good vid. There's a few additional tools that I am never without. 1. Clecos. 2. Dynafile. 3. Spray bottle of rubbing alcohol.

[@dylandutt6057]

clecos are life

[@dandahermitseals5582]

When I grew up electric welding didn't, exist yet. I learned how to hammer weld on an anvil. And later oxyacetylene. Also a magnetic brace drill press you can bore big bolt holes in the sides of trailer frames. Amazing.

[@marshalltherion]

The Miller welding set. What could possibly go wrong. Great videos guys. Down and dirty.

[@stacyreid5077]

Thank you, I've been fabricating things for myself for years and your video has shown me things that will help, like the doing the chalk line and drawing the prebuild on the floor and then spraying clear over it. Great ideas. I've learned living in Louisiana where we have tons of Dirtdobbers that will build in the inlets of your air tools to put valve stem caps on the air inlets on all my air tools or use electrical tape to cover holes

[@isaac_fredricks]

This video was really well thought out and put together. Thanks for the content! Keep it coming!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man!

[@KenV]

Someone really appreciates Moab. Thumbs-up on that ink and subbed for content quality.

[@DirtLifestyle]

It's my happy place lol. Glad to have you aboard 👍

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Not a bad lists of tips from someone your age. Good job.

[@billkellogg1403]

Excellent! Nice shop too!

[@todd1771]

Ditto on the portable bandsaw. The Harbor Freight one is cheap and is lasting good so far. Favorite tool.

[@michaellowe3665]

I used a jigsaw to cut rust out of frame rails. It was so much nicer than using a cut-off wheel. No sparks, less noise and easy to guide.

[@kevinmatney2218]

Love you old J truck, Worked at Jeep for 32 years, Bring to Jeep Fest in Aug,

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man me too! These old Jeep trucks are worth saving. This one was headed for the chrusher for sure. I don't regret saving it for a second 👍

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

Dude, thank you for spending the time making and sharing your videos. I’m building a 85 Ram charger and using your content to help me complete this beast.

[@DirtLifestyle]

No problem brother! Good luck with the build!

[@kensendelofski3761]

I currently changing a small flat bed trailer into a cargo trailer. The trailer is not on level ground, but using a speed square gets all the angle iron at perfect 90 degree angles. Thanks for the video enjoyed it.

[@farrella8778]

I have a portaband and I love it. Used one for the first time 15 years ago or so and bought one a month later.

[@colorocko1]

You're "insignificant" tips are helpful! Thank you

[@jlautomotive6349]

WOW!!!! Great video!!! Thank you so much, didn’t think of a couple of those and I will be saving pennies and picking up some to help build my fabricating skills!!! Keep up the amazing work!!!👍

[@zincyellowmach1523]

Been doing that sharpie thing for years and get the same dropped open mouths when I show people lol. One of my favorite tricks. Great video btw! Im gonna get that brake, roller, thingy asap.

[@cullumstirling]

Awesome job! I consider myself fairly new to the fab work, but thankfully already figured out the benefits of a lot of those tools. Highly recommended!

[@Scratchthejeepguy]

Erasing a sharpie with a sharpie = Mind blown! Thank you.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol yes!

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

I think the line laser and dot laser are great tools for so many things. The axle alinement example you give is perfect to show this. I've used line lasers to layout for ceiling lights to make sure I get them perfectly aligned and a dot laser would be great to mark the center of the light to make sure they all get evenly spaced. I think it's perfect for your axle alignment!

[@janeramos9472]

The video is absolutely fantastic! A lot of great information. Keep posting such amazing videos in the future also.

[@PSUbj21]

A combination roller, shear, & break For The Win!!!! where have you been all my life? Never knew something like that existed. Going to the the top of my new tool list right now. Lover your videos and thanks for all the fab tips!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Good! I'm very happy to help 👍

[@o2boutdoors]

Super-helpful tips...saved this one in my "How To" folder.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Awesome! Happy to help!

[@flame_half]

Earbuds make my life so much better. I work in a welding shop where it's just me and the owner, and a lot of times it's just me working alone. This week my boss said he thought I was less productive with them in, and I don't think he has any basis for that, but whatever. I guess I'll have to "Play the game" for a while.

[@jeffbarker730]

Nice video, I'm getting into fab work now, been in paint and body for 30 plus yrs. New subscriber!

[@sledsports]

You earned a subscriber. Lots of useful information you passed on in a short amount of time. I will disagree with you on one thing. If you are a hobbyist and you fabricate things for fun and for yourself Multiprocess machines are great. Less precious room taken up in most smaller home shops. If you weld out of your home shop for $$$$ and customers... I do not recommend one size fits all welding machines.

[@chriswood5114]

You can also spray hairspray on the Chalk line to keep it from rubbing away. 👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

This is a great tip! I look forward to giving it a shot

[@ypop417]

but explaining to the wife why you have hair spray in the garage can be a problem LOL

[@jdog4534]

One thing to look out for when using 2 different tape measures is to make sure they are both identical. It seems like a dumb comment but sometimes there are minor differences in length between 2 different tapes.. lol I still have my first jigsaw too. ..and it's also a B&D.. the only B&D tool I own, ..unless you could all my dewalt stuff.. Another good video, Nate. I like how informative your videos are, without overdoing it with the explanations, like some fab channels I've seen. Keep 'em coming...

[@kindyrpenumbra7170]

I was coming here to mention that. If its critical the measurements are exact, always use the same tape for both measuring and cutting.

[@jdog4534]

@@kindyrpenumbra7170 well I like the cut of your jib there , sailor. Lol but really, thanks for the backup.

[@9252LIFE]

I use earbuds under my ear muffs as well! Definitely helps take the Bordem out if it!

[@SuperSpecialty]

Excellent presentation: I believe I heard you say umh/ah only once & your speech cadence is perfect for me. I wish everyone did the same (most of what is on KZbin is a waist of time)! Yes, I subscribed.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! Welcome aboard!

[@JustaJourneyman]

Great video. The bits about layout (lasers, rulers, speed square, sample bends) were particularly insightful. Nicely done.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@glennmurphy9297]

GREAT STUFF! I ALWAYS START WITH CHALK-LINING THE THE AXLE LINES IN ACTUAL, FIRST. THOSE TWO PARALLEL LINES IN ACTUAL PROPORTION MAKE ME THINK "WITH THE END IN MIND".

[@VideoShowMeHow]

Great video mate, appreciate putting the time in making, some top tips! Have been learning a lot from you lately!! 🤟

[@DirtLifestyle]

I'm happy to hear I can help! Thank you for watching!

[@elijahfranklin6074]

We use a portable band saw a lot. It you fabricate handrails, it's pretty much an essential tool.

[@elianasmith6330]

A great video and exceptional great content. Well-described information and helpful. Thank you so much for sharing this online. I will surely share this video with my friends.

[@duneattack]

As always your videos are top notch. You're a great teacher, Nate!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank! I really appreciate the kind words 👍

[@dogbounty6399]

I run 3 grinders.... Grinding Disc, Flapper Wheel, Cutting disc.... life is good.

[@garynew9637]

One more with a wire brush wheel.

[@kcscustom9759]

Great video! Those just getting into fabrication, take notes! There are a lot of very useful tips here. I can definitely agree on listing to music while you work, I’m usually actually more productive when I have music playing during a project. It just really helps me stay focused and keep my projects moving along.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks for watching brother 👍

[@phillipswanson4055]

I like all the futurama references in your shop. I am also a fan of the Milwaukee portaband, I got the corded one