How to use HARBOR FREIGHT stud welding gun

How to use the Harbor freight stud welding gun in auto restoration, and metal fab.
11/15/19 update: we are still using this Stud welder on a regular basis and it is working as good as when it was new!

[@bubba7531]

I'm encouraged. Bought mine 3 years ago pre covid. Going to use mine this weekend. Thanks.

[@aguilayserpiente]

Authentic instruction. The welded pins and rings are winners for the crease and walnut dents- the bane of body work. More power to you.

[@steveclark9676]

Man you didn't bore me you explained that really well, I will be ordering one, and I subscribed you, iam 63 retired and have 2 old trucks I need to repair ,never did it before

[@jonathangodbout6645]

Very good tutorial. I use mine for the first time today even though I've had it two or three years

[@mckwilly]

Those are well worth it , great tool ,gitcha the the clamp that grabs a few in line, great for creases

[@ShaunCordell]

where do you get that clamp at?

[@Cortinasinlatina]

Good explanation. I bought the tool after viewing this tutorial.

[@znuh]

THANK YOU! Excellent video, great summary. Also thanks for the great camera work! Nice and stable.

[@AtomicGarage]

I always want one but didn't know how to really use it. Thanks man.

[@timmaccowan]

I just ordered one. Thanks so much for the video. I have a 1965 Barracuda Im working on. much needs with the dents that I have on the deck lid and hood

[@timmaccowan]

I have now used it 10 different times on different dents on different panels. It works great. I find that I use the 2mm studs way more.

[@lonnieblackwell5107]

Good video. Have to keep some tension on slide hammer after engaging cam/toggle, or it will release pin as it did on your first try.

[@topbanana4013]

i have 1 there is always a method with tools in the car game just working it out as you go along. i have the jet spot use same pins i find 1 push 1 second then another push 1 sec 2 seconds later allows me to do the job without melting the head of pin. twist the head of the pin with standard wire cutters they pop off nice allows you to use the pin again and few times more and much better job on the panel no distortion and do not need heavy grinding paper to clean up

[@AChampagneWeezy]

As your pulling the dent , you should tap down with a body hammer . Slide the weight back , the hold some pull pressure on the handle as you tap down around the stud

[@1955porsche]

thanks for mentioning its plug in the wall,, i couldnt figure out if it was attached to a wire feed welder

[@robertdillon4491]

Nice video. Thanks for your opinion. I just went and got one after watching your vid.

[@brdnsky6417]

I have one and it helps to roll that wheel back with your thumb as you pull back. And you might want to hold the stud on with the gun a little longer than they say. I find it works better. It helps also to push in with a little force so that you get go contact. Ronnie.

[@chrisreed26]

Good info..thanks for reviewing this product..I was looking to get on at Harbor Freight...

[@fatmanfromtheholler7467]

I like the video, i have one never used yet due to covid 4 freaking times... the only bad feedback i seen on this tool is the slide studs breaking in the puller. after market they are not extremely expensive, so it did not detour me. for the money they work great i used one a lot at the old body shop i worked at. 100ish bucks vs. like 300 and up with eastwood

[@lonniecurtis3540]

hi Sir,can i use it to bond two peices of metal like a spot welder,good video,thanks

[@OutlawEdge]

No its not a good spot welder. As far as i know. That’s something I would definitely look into. Thanks 🙏

[@andrew19682008]

Get yourself a light board or that's what i think they're called? Shows you the highs and lows. Good video! 👍

[@TheScientistHayFarmer]

I welded a vice grips onto the end of that stupid tip on the slide hammer. It works significantly better.

[@OldJoe212]

A good, honest review. Thanks. BTW, anybody that puts his finger in the wrong place will most likely learn after 3 or 4 times.

[@mikek4610]

Or 11

[@noretreat151]

after just ONE M-1 thumb…. I know better LOL

[@tpksunshine2143]

Can i get an update on the slide hammer gripping wheel please. Looked around my area for a dif. hammer (chuck type), but can't find one and rather not wait for one to be ordered in. Thanks!

[@OutlawEdge]

tpksunshine I dont use the slide hammer grip wheel. Its junk. I made the custom slide hammer that i use now. Its much better. Thanks for watching

[@tpksunshine2143]

@@OutlawEdge Do you have a video of it in action? I just pulled a few dents with the original slide hammer, and it doesn't work so well. I would like something a little better if you have any ideas. Thanks so much!

[@OutlawEdge]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWLdnIuXqN6HrLM

[@tpksunshine2143]

Outlaw Edge nifty, thanks for that. I’ll pick up a pair of vise grips and nut to weld onto the slide hammer for when that wheel starts to drive me nuts. Thanks again!

[@OutlawEdge]

tpksunshine no problem 👍 hope that works better! 😀

[@TheUltimateCrash1990]

Great video, excellent narration, I learned a lot.

[@sarinphx]

Great video!!! Will get one now for sure. Thanks for taking time to make and post video!!!

[@flhusa1]

I BOUGHT ONE THIS FALL AT A GARAGE SALE FOR 5.00. GUESS I GOT A GOOD DEAL BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE THEY USED ABOUT 6 STUDS TOTAL. I TRIED IT AND IT WORKED BUT HAVE NOT USED IT YET.

[@chriskappes9170]

I know this is an older video but i have seen didnt know if it would be worth it but i think i might pick one up after this video thanks again

[@usnchief1339]

Great video! Straight to the point. Thank you

[@robertv8851]

That's great tool the stud welder for the price .

[@Neutron5492]

Mine isn’t starting at all ? I plugged it into a 3 prong outlet ? Do you think it’s a power issue ?

[@OutlawEdge]

@@Neutron5492 are u pushing it down till it grounded to the metal? The tip is spring loaded

[@jcaleca60]

I love harbor freight

[@maxwellsilver3115]

Thanks Bro, informative and instructive.

[@garydoyel3545]

Can this tool be used to straighten mig welds that have sunk inward on a panel repair?

[@OutlawEdge]

Yes it can. I actually do that a lot when I grind down welds the panels warp from heat. So I use this tool to pull the panel out. It’s very handy 👍 ARCO

[@bravo3541]

Good review...even what you didn't like. Thanks.

[@joshmilner4864]

after you have the stud welded can you stick the same welded stud back into the machine with say another piece of metal with a hole through it just big enough for the stud to fit through to give it another contact point will it weld again?

[@OutlawEdge]

Josh Milner yup after u cut off the studs they will work again as long as the tips are ground flat or cut off flat. 👍

[@nick7.3]

Really liked the video, very good job on the video

[@sunlite9759]

Good demo. Recent estimate for hit and run $3500!!! Is that real?? Yes it was. Stud wealder looks good to me.

[@kensendelofski3761]

Just bought one, I tried it on a piece of sheet metal. I only held the trigger for one second. Because I'm using a 15 amp. Breaker, it welded the stud on enough that I had to twist it off. I think it's great. Also for anybody reading this please use the recommed breaker. For safety reasons. Thanks for the video enjoyed it. I would rate this tool at 5 out 5 stars.

[@OutlawEdge]

Ken Sendelofski kickass brother! 👍😀🇺🇸

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

That was pretty cool. Never saw that before.

[@philly2x]

Thanks for the vid!

[@jamesbergeron8356]

Thanks, your video was a lot of help.

[@XqeDiosxqe]

Can you just ground that gun with a negative black battery charger cable grounded to the metal ???

[@OutlawEdge]

Im sure u could but honestly I don’t know

[@filibertobarrera3839]

I get needle nose pliers and bend a small tight loop on the end of the used nails.I get to use them twice.Im a cheap skate painter.

[@jennifercampbell1664]

Great review on the stud welder. Awesome!

[@sailawaybob]

good info. been wanting one for the dents on my van

[@victorjbarker]

Good demo. Thanks

[@Dad-jk2wd]

Great info...thanks for the vids!

[@shawnjoe9187]

Will this be any good for pulling a dent on a box frame? I planned on heating the dent in the frame after welding a stud to it so i will have an easier time removing the dent from the thick material.

[@OutlawEdge]

Barroom Brawler honestly i dont think its strong enough bro. But u can weld 16 penny nails to the frame. Heat it up and use a tough puller to pull the dents out. Or can u cut out the section straighten it then weld the panel back in? Hope that helps. Thanks for watching 👍🇺🇸

[@shawnjoe9187]

Thanks. I was kinda thinking the same thing as you with it not working out too great being the material is alot thicker. But figured I would ask anyway since i have no experience working with a stud welder. I like your idea. I was thinking about tacking on some bolts but the 16 penny nails is a much better idea. Ive been checking out a DIY slide hammer and thought that may work. I never heard of a tough puller before. Ill have to search on that to familiarize myself. Unless ya have a link to one? Greatly appreciate your help brotha! Btw. I uploaded some pics if you were interested in seeing the dent in the front part of the inner frame. Not sure what its from or how it got there.I needed a new frame and picked it up used. Photo Links i68.tinypic.com/2q3rm7q.jpg & i68.tinypic.com/2lzuqg.jpg

[@robertthomas8448]

what they cost i need one before spring.

[@usa5046]

100 plus bucks

[@vocals4378]

Great I just got one

[@jeffbarker730]

so Arco, its been some time now since you posted this video..was curious did the tool hold up to your expectations? im in the market to get one and ran across your video brother!

[@OutlawEdge]

Jeff Barker yeah bro ive been using this stud welder for years now in our bodyshop. And we are really tuff on tools. Its totally worth the cost 😀👍🇺🇸thanks for watching

[@genegorringe7395]

That tool looks like it would be pretty nice to have sweet Gene Gorringe Mi

[@FruddyG]

Any idea if theres a way to use this gun with keys?

[@OutlawEdge]

What do u mean with keys?

[@edmundooliver7584]

I wonder if you can weld small hole in the sheet metal

[@OutlawEdge]

edmundo oliver no i dont think so but ive never tried it yet. 👍

[@jiyaayaz2505]

What is price ? How can i order?

[@OutlawEdge]

These are $109.00 bucks at harbor freight.

[@robertthomas8448]

a must have for motorcycle tanks

[@OutlawEdge]

Robert Thomas yeah they are cheap at harbor freight. I believe they are about 80 or 90 bucks like the other guy said. I still use mine everyday bro. They would work great for dent removal on motorcycle gas tanks. 😀👍🇺🇸

[@robertthomas8448]

yea buddy im always asked about tanks, i just fix dings but i could fix most all of them with a stud welder. ive neede one for years and im going to harbor freight next time i go out the door.

[@robertv8851]

Definitely a good deal.

[@wangbungal]

Do you need to undo the battery fuel lines?? Great vid by the way!

[@OutlawEdge]

wangbungal nope u can leave your vehicle alone while doing this. Its grounded to the welder so u wont have problems like that. Pull the trigger three seconds and it welds the stud nice and solid. Thanks for the nice comments 😀👍

[@Parsa012008]

Hi there is that working on thick metal plate also form 10mm to 15 mm ? or only work on thin panel ?

[@OutlawEdge]

Martin Muller no this is only for repairs on thin sheet metal. The thicker stuff wont get got enough to pull dents out. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching

[@Parsa012008]

@@OutlawEdge thank you outlaw . I mean if is just sticking is enough for 3mm Bolt welding to 10mm metal plate

[@OutlawEdge]

Martin Muller oh i gotcha. Yeah it will weld to thick panels with no problem 👍 but im not sure the stud will stay on there if your using a puller trying to bend thick steel.

[@Parsa012008]

@@OutlawEdge Dear Outlaw , i dont want to bend it , i want just to weld 3mm Stainless Steel Weld Studs to 10mm stainless steel panel . do you think is ok ?

[@OutlawEdge]

Martin Muller honestly it might just work. Its worth a try 👍

[@odindio]

My toggle doesn't seem to grip and hold the pin at all. I bought it maybe ten years ago so it's kinda hard to return now.

[@OutlawEdge]

Danny Peltier yeah the puller failed on mine too so we just welded on an old pair of vice grips. Works way better now 👍

[@osteroven8785]

are the studs reusable once you break them off the body?

[@OutlawEdge]

Oster Oven no as soon as they are used they are junk. They cant be used twice 👍

[@patriot2q2q98]

Actually they can be used again but they wont hold as good if used them plenty of times

[@markanthonyewart]

yes you can reuse but it might not hold as strong as before, make sure you use a 80 grit sand paper to clean the head of the studs first

[@k-nemo]

Good film

[@iraqiking24]

Dose this work well for big dent??

[@OutlawEdge]

Yes! 👍 small and large dent repair is very easy with this tool. Its very strong 💪

[@iraqiking24]

@@OutlawEdge thanks definitely buying it

[@tomcarpenter700]

Just remember on a large Dent,, Always start on the outer edge,, And work your way into the middle,, If you already knew this, Please disregard this information,, only trying to help,,

[@jaredreck882]

Can I just bondo it?

[@OutlawEdge]

Jared Reck can u bondo what?

[@DingoHammer]

Thanx for the demo

[@OutlawEdge]

DingoHammer thanks for watching brother

[@stevenbeatty3872]

Recommend it?

[@OutlawEdge]

Steven Beatty yes I recommend this tool. It works great for the cost. Im still using in the shop. 👍

[@armandocortez2291]

Can I use stud weld screws with this?

[@OutlawEdge]

Armando Cortez im not sure ive ever seen those bro. All i have is the weld on studs. Thanks for watching

[@tonyoliver2334]

Thanks for this man!!

[@probedwarsplayer2116]

👍👍👍can you show me how to rip off this pin?

[@OutlawEdge]

Nurzhan Siukhametov cut it off then grind off the rest

[@usingbothsidesofmybrain1690]

Good video brother,thanks!!

[@hudsonhawk0016]

That slide hammer would be in the sheetrock. I would weld a vice grip on the end of that thing. Good video though.

[@OutlawEdge]

hudsonhawk 001 Thats what i did awhile back. Tossed the old slide hammer and built one with vice grips welded on the end. 😀👍

[@hudsonhawk0016]

@@OutlawEdge 😁👍

[@diamonddetails9445]

Dude 👀💯👍👍👍

[@AtomicReverend]

Good review. I keep going back and forth if I want to support China and buy this but the reality is I won't use this but on maybe a car a year so maybe I should.

[@kentmorse8309]

Thanks for the vid bro

[@EdgeofEternityBillCameron]

Just picked one up

[@watchingyoustrong6650]

awesome totally 💯

[@66mybeat]

It a great stud gun, But the slide hammer really sucks, It gets worn out over time and doesn't hold the studs very good. But for the price, you cant beat this tool!!

[@markanthonyewart]

can you try to convert a hand tighten drill chuck to the slide hammer and lets us know if that works?

[@Tyler-sv4sw]

Mine doesn’t seem to work. It’s the exact one

[@OutlawEdge]

Whats it doing bro? What kind of car are u working on? How long are u holding button?

[@Tyler-sv4sw]

Chevy Silverado 2011 1500. I’m outside it just light sizzle rained.. I wiped it down and a makes a light noise for a moment and it won’t fully do the weld. Not sure if it is because I might be still a little wet

[@Tyler-sv4sw]

Just changed tips.. working now

[@OutlawEdge]

It might have tripped the reset button. Its a small blue button on there somewhere. And some have a fuse inside that button. Check that first. Let me know if that works

[@Tyler-sv4sw]

@@OutlawEdge ya I found the reset button and watched how you said the ground has to touch around it as well. This thing is awesome

[@specialized29er86]

me thought all harbor freight products were about cheap n nasty, yes or no?

[@OutlawEdge]

Specialized 29er not all of them 👍

[@felipeanaya9920]

You look like my boy Rich from San Francisco

[@frostysoutdoors4135]

Now that's cool Bro

[@kbtube8125]

file a bunch of grooves in the cam or concentric to grip the stud better.

[@tomcarpenter700]

I bought one, My 2 mm tip was missing,,, Anyone else had that problem

[@OutlawEdge]

Hey brother just going to Harbor freight and tell him that the part was missing and they should give you another one. They are really good about their warranties and missing parts

[@KarelleDIY]

👍🏽

[@robertthomas8448]

99 bucks you say hell yea. i got people wanting gas tanks for motorcycles fixed often.

[@art88]

@ 4:23 I'm surprised the plug has no ground terminal

[@rickbraden4272]

If the entire case is plastic, then those no need. With a plastic case, where would even connect the ground wire to?

[@AChampagneWeezy]

Buy a better slide hammer , the ones with toggles are trash

[@JJ-kb9uz]

😀😀😀😀

[@Grant7AutoWorksG7]

The stud welder is a good tool , but don't waste your time with that slide hammer, get one of these.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2HFfoyumbKUg6c . its the best thing to go with that welder...i hope this helps you out

[@OutlawEdge]

Grant 7 AutoWorks sweet! Thanks for the info brother 👍

[@whoiswaynereynolds5457]

First! 😅

[@johnwerner7194]

: )

[@CamaroRick]

The puller sucks, and the welder is meh

[@OutlawEdge]

Camaro Rick yup but it’s cheap lol

[@monicaw3514]

We

[@izzybobkelley4465]

This suck buy a stinger