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

[@richardkawucha1232]

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

[@805Dak]

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

[@JTwelder.]

Nice man that's awesome!

[@Kingbib]

Was it hard to get into? How long did it take for you to get on a job?

[@mattharper588]

Good luck

[@worldtravel101]

​@@Kingbibmy local started taking applications and interviews 6 months before choosing who got in. 25 of us made it. No idea how many applicants though

[@LeadRakFPS]

@805Dak, I see the 805 in your user name. You from the Paso Robles, CA area? Also, I'm a Union boilermaker as well. I have family in CA in the Paso area. Hope you're having a good time starting with the Boilemakers.

[@HollowSword]

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

[@Mark-hf4rm]

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

[@JTwelder.]

True Mark that's a super useful one too! I would probably go something cheaper because I've seen too many guys get upset when they lose a $150 Leatherman on site.

[@Mark-hf4rm]

@@JTwelder. yeah, I get that... Cause I lost mine recently. For the tape measure, I usually have a small one. I have a 12' that is not heavy/bulky. Most of the time I'm not measuring something over 12'

[@loganrench5680]

Yep i have 5 of them 1 one me one in each toolbag

[@edgardme3]

Never lost a leatherman on site in 5 years (did break one) and its definitely my most used tool. Dewalt makes a 9 ft pocket tape I keep on a key lanyard that takes second place.

[@EricCampbellUAV]

multitools are junk. they don’t anything well. real men have real tools

[@jwomack1997]

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

[@JTwelder.]

I've heard that the Lincoln is super clear but apparently some people said the battery dies quite often. What other 2x4 lenses have you tried other than the Lincoln?

[@liamdaigle5839]

​@JTwelder. I just ordered the gold Tufuawe (i think i spelt it right) and its pretty slick. Nice clear image and a variety of shade choice and what not. Good bang for the buck and the reviews are consistently positive.

[@martialme84]

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

[@JTwelder.]

I’ll have some more videos like this one coming out over the next couple months.

[@ypaulbrown]

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

[@JTwelder.]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisweldz1122]

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

[@JTwelder.]

Nice, having your own kit of tools definitely makes life easier!

[@chrisweldz1122]

@@JTwelder. yup

[@GrzesSobieski]

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

[@JTwelder.]

Unfortunately that's actually accurate for quite a few welders

[@gransenpai6680]

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

[@W0DAN88]

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

[@ashes2ashes01]

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

[@JTwelder.]

I had a arcone tradesman lens a couple years ago and I loved it. The lens lasted about 6 months of really hard abuse till part of is stopped darkening. I might pick up a 240 thanks for the recommendation!

[@troydenson4207]

I really like my TrueArc gold auto lens

[@JTwelder.]

Ok I'll see if they'll send me one to try out.

[@gustavocoimbra4184]

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

[@JTwelder.]

Boilermaker is a trade. There are fitters and then welders that make up a crew of boilermakers. Just like in pipe welding you have the pipe fitters and the pipe welders. Boilermakers are like pipe fitters and welders but they don't work on pipe they work of boilers and storage or pressure vessels.

[@GrzesSobieski]

Boilermakers must have a felony conviction, be thrice divorced, live with a washed out old stripper and have a serious drug and alcohol addiction.

[@Camigga]

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

[@JTwelder.]

I'll have to get them to send me one! Thanks for the tip!

[@Camigga]

@@JTwelder. no problem, they also have a variable lens so you can change the shade.

[@johnf1441]

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

[@JTwelder.]

They are in JB Goodhues. Unfortunately that fell apart after only a month and a half of working them.

[@johnversluis3084]

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

[@MushySquishyy]

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

[@hubertrobinson8825]

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

[@JTwelder.]

Yeah bags are fine too I just prefer a belt. If I'm on a tig job I switch to a bag full of gear and consumables.

[@JTwelder.]

Also I don't walk around with the belt it just hangs in my work area till the end of the day.

[@DG-uw6wx]

Switch to leather laces ... [JIW] 378

[@Richie_-_]

put crazy glue on the stitches of ur moctoe it helps them from burning from slag

[@JTwelder.]

I’ll do that!

[@EricCampbellUAV]

you don’t buy a respirator. it’s the company’s responsibility to provide them

[@JTwelder.]

@@EricCampbellUAV maybe where you live but that’s not true everywhere around the world.

[@fabsdr69]

I bought a pair of shoes at bass pro cabelas brand for 90cad ans it's good, not awesome but good

[@tropikjet7113]

Is there a sizing chart for those respirators because they have 3 different sizes

[@JTwelder.]

Yeah that's definitely something you have to look at when buying one.

[@everrivera2353]

@JTwelder Great vid! where did you buy the boots in the video ?

[@JTwelder.]

JB Goodhue

[@everrivera2353]

Thank you !

[@bjornl9458]

Pro Tip. Throw those boot laces out and use hockey skate lances instead. Trust me. Pick any color you want. If you know you know

[@JTwelder.]

Oh yeah I’ve seen a few guys do that

[@albertapikewalleye6833]

Duhhhh me get welding boots but no high school diploma duhhh

[@osbaldohernandez9174]

3m all the way

[@JTwelder.]

They make a great respirator!

[@josephisaac3603]

No first tool is a pen to fill out jsa or a flra before any work / tasks are done

[@JTwelder.]

That completely depends on where your working. The sites I currently work on don't have a JSA in sight.

[@Kingbib]

Is the boilermakers union hard to get into?

[@JTwelder.]

Depends on where you live, it differs in every state or province.

[@mattharper588]

It really helps to have welding papers

[@ev2022]

No , call your local union hall.

[@lifewithabe312]

No most locals are short on people

[@marshallhillhouse9757]

what boots are those?

[@JTwelder.]

Jb Goodhue farmer 2's

[@DanielMorales-lm3sf]

@@JTwelder.how much do they run

[@justme6865]

Slipons NOT laced boots. They hold the sparks in the creases and you can get some hot ones that’ll burn the top of your feet. Not too mention you’ll be buying all kinds of laces. Steer people the right way

[@UFOria212]

Slip-ons are just not comfortable for certain people, especially if you have wide feet.

[@theworstomen5326]

cowboy boots = no frayed shoelaces

[@carlosalavrez7099]

Link to your welding hood 😊

[@Ironchickens123]

Good list

[@ZDALI14]

Are you coming to petro in the GTA

[@JTwelder.]

Naw man. I don't take calls for refinery or nuke jobs.

[@ZDALI14]

@@JTwelder. no worries! You totally convinced me to get the princess auto hood. I’ve been using it for almost 3 years now. Please make a video on how you upgraded your headgear.

[@BigTerpz]

And if you want to make more than any of your supervisors, bring drugs. Mostly coke and weed but a variety will do very well. If you plug your bosses you can move up very quickly, even not show up and still get paid multiple days a week. Follow me for more tips

[@zilchk7193]

Can you share you welding hood specs? And how you got the light on it

[@JTwelder.]

I have a company sending out an auto darkening lens for a video so once it shows up I'll be making a whole video on setting up a welding shield.

[@MushySquishyy]

The lens you talk about aren't the best safety wise, and most auto darkening lenses cost 100$+ which is not a lot of money.

[@JTwelder.]

Auto darkening lenses are perfectly safe and there are no conclusive studies to prove otherwise. Everyone also knows that your more likely to get flashed when using a passive lens and trying to flip your helmet down than you are using an auto darkening lens. Go back and look on amazon for auto lenses because in the past few years they've dropped in price since new manufacturers have come out. The Tefuawe lens I used in this video costs only $54 usd with free shipping. I've been abusing this lens for the past 7 months doing everything from low amp Tig welding to gouging and it's still works like brand new and is clearer than ever. My arcone lens that cost twice the price was lower quality and broke 6 within months, it also couldn't handle any kind of Tig welding.

[@jrspen1900]

You forgot the phone

[@JTwelder.]

I don't think it be a very interesting video if all the tools I listed were cellphone, a pen, drivers license etc. I think people can figure those out in their own.

[@ev2022]

Go union and all you need is your hood.

[@JTwelder.]

Not the unions I’ve worked with like the ironworkers, boilermakers and UA. You have to provide your own boots and the company supplies everything else including welding hoods and hard hats. The union companies do provide respirators, measuring tools and hoods but their stuff is usually super beat up or cheap junk so I always bring my own stuff.

[@ev2022]

Really, do you have to buy your own socks and underwear too? I’ve been a union BM over 20 years and worked all over this country. If you’re a tube welder taking a make or break it’s a good idea to bring some trusted tools. You only get 4 hours for a heavy wall 6G so you want to be confident you’ll have what you like. Why have you worked for so many different trades?

[@jerryandtamraharvey4977]

I can tell you after 35 years of welding. If you buy shit boots your feet are going to kill you by the end of the day! And the only hood I use is auto darking screw those flip hoods! Do this for 30 years or so and you will be begging for the little comforts on the job!

[@JTwelder.]

All my flip hoods have auto darkening lenses in them. So far I have found some on the cheaper boots are by far the comfiest by far, but I consider a $200 pair cheap because there’s a lot of options that are well over $350 and are no different than the $200 pairs other than branding.

[@jerryandtamraharvey4977]

Wait until you get your time in and you will be able to tell the difference! Not criticizing you just saying when you get older shit starts to hurt! Lol

[@bmathers21]

​@@jerryandtamraharvey4977 what boots do you recommend? I started with some $80 herman survivors from Walmart and they're solid for the price but i need to upgrade for long term comfort

[@justme6865]

Nope didn’t watch video I saw the boots and skipped it

[@mattharper588]

If you are a Union Boilermaker the contractor will supply you with everything thing you need except a tape measure and a knife and carry your tape measure with you every day it does no good in your lunch bucket and most welders will have their own welding hood

[@JTwelder.]

Hahahahahaha not the companies I worked for sometimes your lucky if you even get a chipping hammer. Even if they did have everything I would still rather have some of my own personal tools that I bring on every job.

[@mattharper588]

@@JTwelder. I retired from Union Boilermakers after 35 years of service and boomed out a lot and never worked for a contractor that did not supply everything except a tape measure and a knife

[@LeadRakFPS]

​@JTwelderjake I'm a Union Boilermaker/Welder in the states. The contractors in the states have to provide all the tools, no matter what it is. Even tape measures nowadays (even though I carry a small 10 footer just in case). I figured in Canada it would be the same way with tools, but even better. That's surprising to me.

[@Then.72]

Have to use the airflow in the UK because if you get any breathing problems you won’t get any help from the NHS if you refuse to do so

[@jimpaul521]

Red Wing boots Carhart overalls quality jeans and denim shirts Fibre Metal shield comfortable and reliable