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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@Raul28153]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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!!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Amp661]

My #1 reason why my welds suck sometimes is because I dont have enough light. This is a lifesaver!

[@hoagie2011]

Dick Trickle nice. #1 reason welds suck ,not enough practice and teaching one on one.I learned this 30 years ago excuse are

[@Amp661]

@@hoagie2011 I want to ask for more tips if I can: I use a shade 10 lens for my settings. Is it a personal preference or is that a threshold safety thing?

[@awalk56]

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

[@hoovey66]

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

[@johnnorton2182]

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

[@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

[@WV591]

I did that years ago, it's a must, especially when you wear glasses. Headlamp on the welding helmet should be standard. don't know why they don't make them like that.

[@aikidodude05]

its extra weight, it gets caught on stuff because its a protrusion and portal able work lights exist heck i have pen light that has a magnetic base the lets me hang it from any position. all this is destroying a welding hood to try save a couple seconds you would take setting up a work light.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

If some enterprising person out there wanted to they could build this into a helmet and make it turn on and off as the hood is raised and lowered.

[@ilikewaffles3689]

OR hear me out, use a light sensor and microcontroller to adjust it so that the light turns off if you're actually welding. Unsure if powering the microcontroller would exceed the power usage of just leaving the light on at all times.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

@@ilikewaffles3689 oh man, I like that! Microcontroller is much more efficient, the auto darkening welding helmets work the same way. I might build one of these!

[@Mrcaffinebean]

@@ilikewaffles3689 the only problem is I imagine you want to light on before striking the arc.

[@ilikewaffles3689]

@@Mrcaffinebean yes a on/off switch to turn it on while you're wearing the hood and the microcontroller turns off the light when it detects a high enough number of lumens (which the arc provides). Then the light turns back on if the lumens drop. When you're done, you switch off the light.

[@rupe53]

@@ilikewaffles3689 ... I see one flaw here and that's using a wire feed welder where your hand or the welding tip itself might block the UV light sensor so create false triggers. I suspect a simple "tilt switch" might be the answer. OTOH, the LED light draws so little from the battery you don't really need to be concerned with an automatic off / on function. The "tilt switch" could be tied to the head gear so everything is off when you flip the helmet up.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@douglascushenbery1747]

I do this,. The double sided sticky tape to a piece of velcro, or a velcro fabric strap, you can remove your light from your welding hood and relocate it , stick it to another location., pointed toward your work. Small light like that is handy. I use one a lot.

[@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.

[@alekosxatzopoulos6942]

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

[@larescats9228]

That is awesome I’ve fought trying to see as I got older (65) Gonna put one on my helmet thank you

[@normanodekirk6766]

Hell Yes !!! Old eyes need em! 👍🏼

[@larescats9228]

Lol I started marking the place where I need to weld with soapstone so I can see it pretty bad huh

[@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 💡

[@jt8251]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@creeplife2802]

Lol, you just thought of this? It's very helpful. What I used to do, I got a leather apron, and tied it over my hood. Protected any sparks from flying in, also, blocked all surrounding light from getting in my hood, let's your eyes adjust and see better through the lens.

[@2ndshiftaudio300]

I'm an old man. I remember when those automatic dimming helmets came out. I tried it. And got the worse flash burn of my life back then. I'll stick with a little inconvenience before I trust one of those things again. Basic old school Jackson helmet is the way to go.

[@MakeEverything]

They've come a long way! the self dimming lenses are super responsive, and have great adjustability for different situations. Give them another try!

[@danielpullum1907]

I was watching another vid about "can't see when I'm welding"...... I thought gee I could fasten an led lamp on my hood. Wala, you had already done it. Great vid.

[@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.

[@ghraydon]

I've been using a simple little headlight just taped to my welding hood for a couple of years now. I live in the Thai jungle so I buy stuff online at Lazada. This USB rechargeable lamp really lights up my weld site and the cost here is 35 Baht. That's $.91 USD. I buy half a dozen at a time to save on shipping.

[@stevenbewick592]

Why didn't this hit my algorithm 2 days ago, just welded an inner wing and had a small hand light I had to keep moving it around to see. Great tip though, I'm velcro stripping my welding hood tomorrow, for next time. 👍

[@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.

[@johnmcdonald1293]

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

[@SujMenon]

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

[@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 !!

[@skyhook040]

I know what you mean that you want more light while your welding... been there done that... I was a union Ironworker for many years and did my share of welding outside. Now that I am retired and do some tinkering in my well lit garage I set up a magnetic flashlight pointing on the work. As you know that isnt always conducive for every job. Now with more cars(trucks) with aluminum theres on go place to put a magnetic flashlight. So I really like the idea of a light in your shield. I'll have to give it a try....

[@garymucher9590]

So it is not just me. I have a hard time seeing what I am welding even when I try difference shade settings. And you can't weld what you can't see... Thumbs Up!

[@jcarrington9843]

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

[@Username-cb4fg]

Thanks just started welding school and got an old school suger scoop hood with non-auto darking , my biggest problem is that I can't see where I start my welds , this will definitely help..👍🏼

[@ronaldnickell6110]

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

[@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.

[@Creaky_Candle]

I remember people laughed at me in welding school because I did this a few years ago.

[@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.

[@scott-kf1bi]

I fn luv it. I'm getting old and blind and can't wait to try it.

[@terrylewis9512]

Me to unreal

[@samuelstephenson3535]

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

[@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.

[@ronaldalyea1136]

I've had an LED for years that was made to clip onto the tip of the Mig gun from Snap on, works great, no shadows. I do like the head light too, more light is good!

[@mesanders1113]

How's it hold up to splatter and heat? I mainly weld Flux core and stick

[@ronaldalyea1136]

@@mesanders1113 I haven't had any problems with it over many years of use, I really like the head lamp idea too. The head lamp would really work great in those places where there is little more than enough room for the welding tip.

[@alfredfleming3289]

👍👍 A helmet without skeleton insignia or some other stuff. Just a modest high quality lid!

[@danielchambers1958]

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

[@Kevinrichardsonministries]

Great Idea... but Lazada and/or Shopee has the same thing (ie: lamp that is even USB rechargeable) for about $3.00. I bought several and if you don't use them on the full light setting (which is to bright for me anyway) they last several hours and/or all day. I use them everyday and they help my aging eyes tremendously. Hope that helps... Thumbs Up on the video from a subscriber !!

[@carinya18]

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

[@willstikken5619]

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

[@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!

[@Fallenwraith247]

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

[@JTwelder.]

This is a age old trick for boilermakers. We’ve been riveting headlamps to flip front shields for decades. Once you have it you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it years ago!

[@jasondk5127]

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

[@raydreamer7566]

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

[@kaydog2008]

They sell tactical helmet lights also. I have 2 bike head lights mounted on each side of my helmet that way I can switch between the two when one dies. Had flash light and mounts at first but was always dropping them. I found mounting lamps on top kept getting hung up on stuff in tight spaces working under vehicles crawling in tanks Etc., and on my first cheap helmet the little added weight kept making it fall down. Just putting it out there think how you need to use them for your job first before you install them.

[@qfdforme]

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

[@bobroberson9286]

Good idea but the question in my mind, having been a welder more years than you've been alive, is what's gonna get this light first, the smoke or the sparks!!!

[@KeyserSoseRulz]

Now that I can see it, all is left is learn to weld.

[@jons2447]

Easy-peasy chicken squeezy. Nothing to it. 1st, get a welder. Then practice. A lot.

[@dougseag67]

@@jons2447 Don't forget the grinder

[@elultimo102]

@@jons2447 I never learned either. College types were not permitted to take shop courses, because they might learn a marketable or practical skill they might need some day. "Great Ideas in Literature" has done me a world of good.---LOL.

[@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.

[@phillipgarrow2297]

I just got a new miller elite helmet instead of a green when you strike a arc it's clear I really like it

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

There's a bit of BASF and Tony Stark mixed in here. Make it better, functional, and under budget. Thumbs up. ✌

[@wesleygoldstone4770]

Last week I was doing a rust repair under the dash of my project car. I could see absolutely stuff all with my hood on. Definetly going to do this. Thank you.

[@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.

[@oby-1607]

In the winter, I am always going around with my headlamp, doing my tasks.

[@itsme-uj6pg]

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

[@xDrDeath78x]

Lol how did you stretch out velcroing a headlamp to a helmet for 12 minutes Chris. Always enjoyable broski

[@MakeEverything]

I like to be thorough!! Haha

[@davidschwartz5127]

It funny when you post something on youtube how the critics come out of the woodwork is it?

[@xDrDeath78x]

@@davidschwartz5127 followed swiftly by those with no sense of humour

[@ttips4237]

Most obvious solutions to difficult problems are often overlooked. I didn't know about this type of velcro but I will be looking for it. Thks. #BlindedByTheNonLight #ThanksForTheEnlightenment

[@NZMOPAR]

i have done this already but i get car polish or some thing like that and clean the lens all the time to it makes a huge difference

[@mpyoung33]

This is such a good idea. I bought a 10’ roll so it looks like everything I own is getting a head lamp.

[@joelbrown3479]

BRILLIANT, great minds think alike, I have the same hood, & Velcro set up. Another version, auto light strips on either side of 4x4 lens!!!😎😎

[@davidkline03]

I've done the same exact thing with my hood, cept I use adjustable Klein led light, it uses USB rechargeable battery, going on year 3 a couple of velcro changes light still going strong.

[@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.

[@Mascotal]

The important thing I found was to make sure no light gets inside the helmet while welding. Keep it totally dark inside.