Stop Welding In the Dark! $7 Welding Hood Mod!

In this video I show you a super simple mod to your welding hood that will change the way you work in dark or confined spaces! This little headlamp makes a huge difference when trying to see your start and stop points when welding in the dark. With dual lock velcro attaching it, you can always just take it off if its in your way. Give it a try!
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[@fredricksiegmund627]

Thank you for this video. I am 74 years old and have cataracts. The light is never bright enough for me unless I am in direct sunlight. I gave this a try this morning and it made big difference. I can weld like I did 20 years ago.

[@dannymac7852]

Like u mentioned, I cant believe I've been doing this my whole life without the addition of that lil light ! I've got a couple portable lights I place around my table to supplement the shop lights when I weld, this idea, albeit simple as can be, is pure genius!

[@andrewallason4530]

I’ve also hung a ‘drape’ over the back of my helmet. Keeps the inside of the helmet dark, so the only light comes through the lens. I used to get reflecting light bouncing off the inside of the helmet from ambient light in my workshop.

[@2redrovers]

I did the same thing with a section cut out of the back of my old leather welding jacket, doubles up to keep light out and keep sparks off your head/neck.

[@patricktack165]

Me too

[@mudbutton2]

Great idea!

[@PatKazanjian]

Same, double layer of fire resistant fabric and I set snaps into my hood to put it on and off.

[@77Avadon77]

This is my 21st year welding and literally this. I take every new helmet and I put Velcro along the back of the helmet. Then I make a little curtain out of non flammable material it all over the back of my head and so the other side of Velcro on to the top of that curtain. When I'm welding in the Sun or in very lighted conditions I just stick that little curtain to the back of the helmet. It's amazing how much of a difference that makes. I'm surprised it's not on every helmet

[@stansenter2660]

Throw/ stick velcro on forehead, chin, and on either sides. You can have 4 locations to place the lamp, or go berserk and have 4 head lamps lighting up the work area or cut costs and light up the shop.

[@jimpritz4169]

Great idea Chris. If they sold this idea in a welding supply store it would probably cost $40 or more.

[@johndunn9819]

A zillion. They're all blubbering about inflation and their gouging the piss out of their own customers.

[@ratcrib]

They're the ones causing the inflation while blaming minimum wage increases (i.e. the poors) lol@@johndunn9819

[@johnmurraycompton569]

I use TONS of extra little lights and am constantly fiddling with them to give the best light but not be in the way. This is a much better solution. Definitely giving it a try!

[@rickthain8538]

That is the cleanest welding table EVER!

[@MakeEverything]

Love it! the Strong Hand build pro max! Such an amazing upgrade!

[@Arykperry]

That’s what they look like when there not used

[@coolHandLuke5150]

Looks like a fab table vs a welding table

[@holmes1956O]

@@teddybeardiy3538 lol yup keeps the scratches off too 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@akeybreak8487]

I did something similar a few years back. I epoxied a short strip of steel to my helmet and a couple of magnets to the lamp. My foreman gave me crap about it until he tried it. Then I made a second one.

[@rudyyarbrough5122]

I attached my light to the panel below the viewing window after trying the top like he does here and it is more useful lower. It also gets the light closer to the weld. I bought a rechargeable light from eBay and used four small screws to mount it onto the helmet. When I hang my helmet up, I plug the lamp into its charger and it's always ready to weld!

[@SujMenon]

Great tip Chris. Simple yet effective. As you demonstrated in the end, it makes a huge difference.

[@johngranato2673]

I did the same years ago, but I put a small piece of clear tape over the LED lens to protect it from damage. When the tape gets cloudy or damaged, I pull it off and place a new piece of clear tape on the lens. It does not really hurt the light output.

[@AerialLensVideo]

This is simple yet great idea - Thanks! I did have to shave off a little of the hinge edge of the gray part to allow a bit more range in the angle for my helmet (Miller Pro-Hobby model does not have enough upper surface on the helmet to adjust a good "aim" of the light otherwise} -- easy enough. This is making things so much better. Thanks for posting.

[@anetworkservice]

Thanks for sharing. I've been dealing with the same issue and planning to apply the same fix for a long time now. I have been using good free standing bright LED lamps nearby. But, they are so hard to move around and get into the right place. Those cheap lights from Amazon work pretty well. I was using one like yours on my head to do other automotive work. Thanks

[@crushrreviews]

Wow !! Honestly an awesome idea. I just went to Amazon now and ordered the light and Velcro using your links. Thank you !! I was thinking of buying a lamp to put on my welding table, but this works much better and is portable !!

[@weldmama]

I wondered about doing this but thought it would set the sensor off....so glad i saw this and you showed how it works....I will be doing this now and will tell other students in my welding class about this too. Thank you!

[@Raul28153]

that's pretty good. Easily as big a deal as the leather flap on the back of the helmet to block back lighting

[@AndysDogHouse]

Hey Chris. I am new to welding and I have trouble in lots of situations, but dark welding is the # 1 problem. Thanks for this tip. I will get one and see if that will help me out. Now if I only could weld better I would be all set. Thanks for sharing.🍁👍👍

[@MakeEverything]

welding is like riding a bike, you gotta practice! The light sure helps for those hard to see spots!

[@allangordon3135]

this is priceless information I used to have better vision and did not require additional lighting but as I have grown older my vision has deteriorated and love your input THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@elroysez8333]

I also did something like this, but I found that mounting it to the chin of the helmet and rotating the light so that the tilt feature allows me to point it straight forwards or upwards was much more adaptable. It is also less likely to bump into/get caught on overhead things if mounted on the chin.

[@MakeEverything]

Thats also a great idea!

[@rudyyarbrough5122]

I did the same thing but with a much bigger and brighter light than he used. Coming from the chin keeps the gun from getting in the way like the overhead light does. I also mounted mine with two short screws and keep the charger near the welder so that it is always charged.

[@patrickbodine1300]

Nothing like a new, clean lens.

[@rupe53]

Scott ... was thinking the same thing 'cause I do a lot of under vehicle work. (head bump) OTOH, the top mount might line up better in other situations. How about adding a second velcro so you can move the light as necessary? Would only take a few seconds to move the light.

[@boogerzekesweldingemporium4833]

I actually did the very same thing. I found the chin placement lights up the weld area better than it did from a higher placement.

[@markashlock9017]

I had this very thought just last night. With the artic blast Texas received, power has been out for millions. Anyway, I was using my head light to navigate around the house, when it occurred to me that a head light would be a great addition to my welding hood. Thanks for adding credence to my notion. Great vid!

[@jcohen661]

This worked out great for me. I mounted the HF light and battery pack and I can see! Works great. My welds were already better. Thanks.

[@kellyjones334]

I have had a light on my helmet for about 4 years. I attached mine with a 1/4 inch carriage head bolt. Works great.

[@johnnorton2182]

Great idea for my dad and husband who are getting up there and need help to see. Thx a lot

[@awalk56]

Well done. The ability to improvise is truly a sign of genius.

[@matthewkubik3874]

Been welding and fabricating for over 15 years and its always the back lighting that gets me. Another great addition to your hoods is a Lincoln press fit helmet bib! I weld Aluminum all day and that helmet bib saves you from those nasty UV burns you get on your neck. It also blocks a lot of the side lighting that causes reflection into the helmet. But I will certainly be adding a light to at least one of my hoods! Thanks for the tip.

[@MakeEverything]

good Idea! I try to keep my hood angle tucked pretty low into my chin/neck to help with that neck burn, but I could use a bib. I finally got myself in the habit of wearing a welders cap to keep burning the hair I have left!

[@77Avadon77]

Make sure you also button your jacket up to the top. A lot of guys don't do that and you don't want to start accumulating lots of u v around your neck

[@danielmeecham464]

Fantastic idea! I'm new to welding and that was one of my bigger difficulties. I have a Milwaukee headlamp and also one from a dollars store. Both work great! Though, one was thirty dollars, and the other was about two bucks. Thanks for sharing the great idea!

[@akeybreak8487]

I love how LED tech has made good lighting so cheap. I just try to avoid the ones that use button batteries.

[@jvazquez53]

Thanks for the idea! I just realized I had a Gopro LED lamp gathering dust, so all I had to do was stick it to the helmet. As a bonus, I can attach the GoPro camera at the same time.

[@nv1493]

Man I feel dumb, was welding on my shop press just yesterday, moving a small flood light around, griping about visibility. I'm doing this asap, just putting the tape both top and bottom so I have a choice where to mount.

[@paulg3336]

One problem seeing out of the hood can be if the room lighting illuminates the interior of the hood from behind. If it is too bright your eye adjusts to the light and you don't get enough light through the lens to see anything. Try a dark cloth around the back of the hood ,like early camera operators used, to see the difference. The addition of the headlamp is an added bonus to this.

[@oldphart-zc3jz]

An ancient trick my pipeliner welding instructor taught me is to glue a flap to the top of my Fibre-Metal Pipeliner helmet to block light and debris (after chopping it first of course). I cut leather from whatever is handy, like old welding aprons.

[@wymershandymanservice9965]

On the Pipeline up north we used pan hoods stopped the back light you get in sugar scoops. Bright sunlight was always one of the worst issues from the reflection. Good 👍content. 🇺🇸🦅🌏⚓️🇺🇸

[@localcrew]

Back light is the bane of my existence. One of the reasons I don’t like welding in sunlight.

[@alekosxatzopoulos6942]

So simple but so clever, how is this possible??? Bravo keep lightning us

[@hoovey66]

Pretty good idea. I’ve been welding for 39 years from shops to plants to pipelining and you learn to deal with it.

[@Thedoug369]

If you're applying velcro or double sided tape in a cold environment, it helps to hit it briefly with a heat gun or hairdryer after you stick it on. Really helps it to adhere better.

[@georgebettythatcher458]

I took your advice and purchased the light and the heavy duty duty attachment tape. Works great! I will order a couple extra light incase the sparks fog up the light lenses. Thanks!

[@Shipfixer]

I did a lot of underwater welding some years back at a marine repair outfit in Dutch Harbor. We used Kirby Morgan welding/diving helmets with Speedglass, radio, and brilliant bright lights on them. I always thought how much better you can see with the lights on the helmet under water, and how I struggled to see in the shop sometimes. I never got around to putting a light on my shop hood but just kept on fighting it. There's no telling how many welds I could've done better if I could have had better lighting. You have a great idea there. With the killer LED lights you can buy now, why not do it! I don't think I've ever seen a welding hood with a light installed from the factory. I also have a Lincoln Viking hood. These have the clearest view ever for welding. First thing tomorrow, I'm going to stick a light to it. Kind thanks for reminding my dumb ass. Instant LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Greetings from Alaska.

[@BADMOPARCZ]

Same thing I did with my Viking helmet mounting small LED flashlight on the side. Especially underneath the car making welding, cutting and grinding much easier.

[@Mcoparts]

Gave this a try and made a huge difference in the visibility of the puddle. Funny that the people who laugh now will eventually catch on and see that this is not meant for looks but rather the functional aspect of things. Thanks again for such a helpful tip.

[@edutter9261]

That is a great idea. I think that I will place tape on both sides, chin, and top to try to cover all possible problems with the light hitting something.

[@mrhorsepower31]

I made a clamp for my mig gun aiming a small led flashlight at my wire tip, it's quick release and adjustable for every direction. Only problem is turning it off , it has a simple button on the back . But I tend to forget . Other than that it's awesome, that was back in ,2004. The thing that adds to it is the soft leather wedding helmet that I adapted a quick shade lense to. Perfect for getting your head up underneath a car for exhaust in tight places with barely room to weld or see. The mask is why I needed the flashlight on my welding gun.

[@johnmcdonald1293]

Much respect BROTHER that's the best idea I've seen in a long time from AUSTRALIA.

[@garyyorke1080]

Great idea worth looking into always a problem for me in the garage .. Just subscribed while I'm here so I can always pop back after I try this

[@jtsimmons3133]

A great idea. I've been wanting to something like this and you made it super easy. Thanks for sharing.

[@Rowels_Darling]

Thanks. Best tip I've come across for this problem and simple enough to do. You might wanna patten this idea before these hoods are manufactured with built-in headlamps.

[@eerikkinuutinen5808]

Nice tip. I have the same mask and I was thinking of sticking just regular led strip on the sides and a battery holder somewhere. That would be nice, but this is lot easier.

[@carinya18]

I had an old head lamp laying around so tried this Woks great and makes a difference Thank You!

[@danielchambers1958]

Very timely video..... having this issue and now I have a solution..... thank you!

[@barrylongcor3146]

Great idea. I'll have mine installed today! Thanks

[@anthonylawrencesnow]

Ever since I have started watching your videos, my checking account has slowly disappeared!!! Thanks for all of the great ideas!!!

[@goyoe977]

Your spending helps the economy!!

[@bquade70]

Excellent idea and perfect timing... Was just trying to figure something out. 👍👍 Thanks! Lake Havasu-☀️ AZ.

[@qfdforme]

I liked your approach so I bought the same light and 3M Dual Lock fastener. Works great. Thanks.

[@ronaldnickell6110]

Had the same problem, but didn't think of your solution. Thanks.

[@blazindragon296]

I worked in the automotive field as a technician I use to have to weld up exhaust and man do I wish I thought of this thanks!!

[@JW-YT]

Great idea, cant believe its something so obvious and simple to such a common problem, cheers.

[@paulmanhart4481]

Brilliant. I just ordered one. Thanks for the tip.

[@jt8251]

I fastened a 2" picatinny rail to my welding hood and use a Surefire tactical light. Works like a charm.

[@kefwals8722]

I made a light from a 4" round led off road light with Velcro on the back of it. I ended up sticking it on the mouth piece part of my helmet with some 1860 li ion cells I wired up with a switch to power it. Works great and tons of light.

[@glennfelpel9785]

Sure am happy to have run across your channel, it was just by chance at that. You hare an outstanding presenter. Thank you for the video.

[@cayrick]

Found this video very interesting. I am a guy who just bought a tiny basic welder and a hood. My hood is at a different level than yours as it cost all of $40 (solar powered dimming) but again I am not a pro. I already see the vision issue and really like your idea for the light. Thanks!

[@noobinho8882]

I had this idea when i was welding in a low light area but I still didn't do it, since you demonstrate how it will make life easier. Am considering doing it 🤔 👀. And that is clever idea 💡

[@RathaSochenda]

Such a great tip going to do this to my Viking helmet too. Thanks for sharing🤙🏾. Thanks for the links.

[@tekviper9]

This is simple and fantastic as your shadow line light mod for the miter saw tip ! Thank you !!

[@MakeEverything]

Thanks for following along!! If you remember that video you've been here a long time and I appreciate that!

[@1ghosthorse]

Amazing idea! Good ideas always seem obvious in retrospect. If I had a third hand, I would have been using my own edc Olight.

[@govnor]

Thanks for the great tip! Lighting has always been an issue for me when welding.

[@dustyroads834]

Great idea. Simple just never thought of it. Thanks.

[@tristantaus4556]

Thanks a lot for this video because I'm trying to get into arc welding I just needed hood ideas

[@garychandler4296]

My 69 yr old eyes could have used this last night outside building a trailer for my tractor! I also liked how you defined the attachment details.

[@wickedprotos1937]

I did this a couple of years ago!!! Very helpful!!!!

[@leokelly359]

I did this after seeing this video a few months ago. WOW is all I can say thanks for the awesome tip

[@TheRitchieLeeShow]

Thanks good idea. I might try and snatch up two of those headlights. I also might get some of that velcro. Hot milk glue might work to hold on the headlight, I've used it before to hold a headlight on a jigsaw. Edit Melt.

[@jcarrington9843]

Just bought a lamp just for this. I typically use a 10 shade - hope this helps. Thank you!

[@drewhodge3820]

Nice idea mate. Cheers for sharing.

[@UDoIt2]

Thanks Chris! This popped up cause I was searching for 'my hood doesn't auto darken'. On a side note after seeing your welds I need to get more gooder at welding.

[@eCitizen1]

Brilliant idea. I am going to hook up a headlamp to my welding helmet asap.

[@vladorlovsky6623]

Great video. You talked me into getting this head lamp. Thanks.

[@raydreamer7566]

I love the University of YouTub because I am always learning ..... Thank you....

[@bruscifer]

Good idea! Ordered! Thanks

[@sn0wshooter]

Thanks for the awesome video, well explained, I definitely will be trying this on a welding hood soon!

[@msheaver]

For the masses (myself included)who will likely never do any welding, can you take this to the next level and show us what it looks like when you are actually welding? Honestly, this is the first time I have seen what it is like to be behind that shield!

[@richardparkin8559]

Just ordered a 2 pack. Great idea TY

[@jasondk5127]

Great idea! I think I'll try some self adhesive strip lights and put a battery pack in the helmet.

[@awittypilot8961]

I wirefeed more than anything Bought 6-13 darkening helmet. Works well on 7 for wirefeed and that is a HUGE difference for me. Plenty of light from the weld...but it's just too dark from 8 and up

[@donpet8258]

Thanks much ! Just ordered one

[@cdrive5757]

A Godsend tip! Ordered one immediately!

[@willstikken5619]

The "old Velcro" were hook and loop fasteners. The style use chose are geometric interlocks.

[@cncmoh]

Excellent idea man. I'll definitely install one tomorrow on my helmet.

[@reytiosejo3012]

That was also my problem in welding underneath and i think i finally found the solution by using headlamp and put it on top of my welding helmet.

[@pmfolly1]

I have had the hardest time trying to see with my hood and I would have to say I have failed welding because I can’t see. This maybe the change in my success welding. thanks, Peter

[@MakeEverything]

It works great!!

[@rickbarger5161]

Way to go that's awesome I never thought of it you should patent it

[@Fallenwraith247]

Excellent! I screwed a headlamp to the chin of my hood when I was in school. Saved me in those over head positions!

[@eyemanm6045]

Good simple presentation

[@toycoma98]

Thats cool. I did this before i watched this video. With the velcro, I can take it off my hood and stick it on my wen drill press. Put some velcro on the dolly/hand truck in the background and stick the light on there too.

[@leokelly359]

great idea I'll defiantly use this idea

[@itsme-uj6pg]

I do this with my fishing headlight whenever i weld.. especially in winter when welding outside.

[@samuelstephenson3535]

I did something similar because it's hard when under a vehicle. I used a broadband headlamp because it is super low profile.

[@mancavecustoms13]

Great idea my guy! will probably try this!

[@oscarmayer9823]

This is awesome and I think it’s a great idea. I may just do it and if I need to adjust sensitivity on my auto darkening hood I will let you know.

[@yvesf5355]

Man that's a good Idea,I have rechargeable Magnetlight all over my shop lol thank you very much .

[@l.horseman5704]

That i never thought about doing adding a hood light. Thanks 7 bucks. Wow cheap!

[@mikeeldridge637]

Really nice welding table.

[@r3v3rs3r]

Great idea... I have a bit of low light where I weld... This will improve my results for sure! 😉👍