Whether you’re a professional welder or a novice DIYer, you know the importance of a good protective mask. A welding mask or helmet is a piece of personal protective equipment designed to protect the eyes, face and neck from burns, sparks, and harmful light. You should never weld without wearing a helmet.
You can get what is called a passive welding helmet, which has a fixed dark lens that doesn’t change. There are also auto-darkening welding helmets, which adjust the lens tint according to the task. There are also different lens shades for different tasks, so be sure to check the recommended tint level for your project. A handy guide is available here.
What to Look for in a Welding Helmet
Here are some important features to consider when shopping for a welding helmet:
- Welding Light State – This is how light or dark the welding filter is when not in use.
- Welding Shade – Welding shades determine how light or dark the filter gets when the welding arc is struck.
- Sensors –
- Viewing Area – You’ll need to determine how large of a viewing area you want. A larger viewing area provides more visibility to the weld and weld area, while a smaller viewing area can provide a more focused view.
- Safety Requirements – Make sure the helmet you choose meets the current safety requirements in your area. In the United States, welding helmets need to meet ANSI standards; in Canada the helmets need to be CSA compliant.
Types of Jobs That Require Welding Helmets
In the modern workspace, safety and protection are paramount. For many professionals, a welding helmet isn’t just a precaution – it’s a necessity. Welding helmets are specifically designed to protect the eyes and face from harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays emitted during welding. But, which jobs specifically require these helmets? Let’s dive deeper into this:
- Welders: It goes without saying, but welders top the list. Whether they’re working with TIG, MIG, or stick welding, these professionals always need a welding helmet to shield their eyes from dangerous rays.
- Pipefitters and Steamfitters: These individuals often weld components as part of their job, especially when installing or repairing pipelines.
- Ironworkers: Responsible for installing iron or steel beams, these workers sometimes have to weld parts together, necessitating the use of a welding helmet.
- Boilermakers: These experts assemble and repair boilers, which often requires welding components together.
Welding Helmet Choices for Your Business Needs
Once you’ve determined what kind of welding helmet you need, it’s time to start shopping. We have researched specs and pored over reviews to bring you a list of the ten best welding masks we found on Amazon. We found standard-looking welding helmets and some cool welding helmets too. Many models are available in several different designs, too, so you can show off your personality with your mask.
| Feature/Specification | Top Pick: Miller Black Digital Infinity Series Welding Helmet | Runner Up: Optrel Panoramaxx CLT Crystal Welding Helmet | Best Value: HITBOX Auto Darkening Welding Helmet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Miller | Optrel | HITBOX |
| Viewing Area (sq. in.) | 13.4 | Not specified (Panoramic view mentioned) | 15 |
| Number of Arc Sensors | 4 | Not specified | 4 (smart sensors) |
| Technology/Features | X-Mode (Eliminates sunlight interference) | Crystal Lens Technology | True Color Technology, Touch Control |
| Charging | Not specified | Not specified | Solar charger |
| Comfort and Fit | Comfortable, Adjustable fit | Comfortable fit | Mentioned as comfortable by reviewers |
| Additional Features | 4 operating modes | Panoramic field of view | Auto Darkening |
Best Welding Helmets on Amazon
Miller Black Digital Infinity Series Welding Helmet
Miller’s Infinity welding helmet offers a large viewing area of 13.4 sq. in. It has 4 independent arc sensors, 4 operating modes, and a comfortable, adjustable fit. This helmet also features X-Mode, which eliminates sunlight interference. This helmet is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Optrel Panoramaxx CLT Crystal Welding Helmet
Optrel is a Swiss company that makes welding equipment and accessories. Their Panoramaxx welding helmet is considered one of the best on the market. It features Crystal Lens Technology, providing the user with a detailed, high-contrast view of the welding area. The Panoramaxx also boasts a comfortable fit and panoramic field of view.
HITBOX Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
A 15 sq. in. viewing area, True Color technology, and touch control are some of the features of this cool welding mask. Additionally, it has a solar charger, so it can charge while you’re welding. 4 smart sensors provide automatic darkening, and reviewers have noted its comfort.
Jackson Safety Premium Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
This auto-darkening welding helmet comes in several bold designs, so you can look great AND be protected. Features include Jackson Safety’s patented 370 Speed Dial premium ratcheting headgear system and 4 arc sensors for great coverage. This helmet is both solar and battery-powered.
Blue Demon Trueview PANO Welding Helmet
Blue Demon is a small business that makes welding equipment and accessories. Their PANO welding helmet is lightweight, has 5 sensors, and a 360-degree viewing area. It also features auto-darkening over all 3 filters.
Sellstrom Bucket Style Passive Welding Helmet
The traditional “bucket style” design of this passive welding helmet is an industry classic. This black helmet is molded from Super Tuff nylon which is lightweight and extremely durable. It has extended head protection and a chin guard for complete protection.
TAKAFORCE Panoramic Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Looking for an Iron Man welding helmet? Look no further! TakaForce’s auto-darkening welding helmet is designed to look like Iron Man’s mask, but it also has its share of other great features. It has a hemispherical design for a panoramic viewing area, 4 arc sensors, and sensitivity control.
Save Phace Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Perhaps you’re more of a Spiderman person. If that’s the case, Save Phace makes this auto-darkening welder helmet, which features a 180-degree ADF holder for its impressive 23 sq. in. viewing area. Additionally, it has high-quality adjustable halo headgear, an extremely lightweight design, and an adjustable sensitivity knob.
Antra True Color Wide Shade Range Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
This welder helmet features a passive FULLTIME UV/IR filter, a double-layered auto-dimming LCD shutter, and 4 arc sensors. An optimized high-output solar panel helps extend the battery life, while the fully automatic lens eliminates flipping the hood. This helmet is said to be very lightweight and also durable.
DEKOPRO Welding Helmet
DEKOPRO’s welder helmet has been noted as being comfortable yet functional, with the added bonus of coming in several designs. It’s equipped with sensitivity and delay settings for different environments and task durations and has a 6 sq. in. viewing area.
FAQs
Why is it essential to use a welding helmet?
A helmet is crucial for the protection of a welder’s eyes and face. Welding produces harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays that can cause immediate and long-term damage to the eyes, such as “welder’s flash” or cataracts. The helmets also provide protection against sparks, spatter, and debris, ensuring the safety of the facial area during the welding process.
What’s the difference between passive and auto-darkening welding helmets?
Passive welding helmets have a fixed shade lens, usually around shade #10, and wearers have to flip the helmet up when not welding and down before striking the arc. On the other hand, auto-darkening helmets come with lenses that automatically adjust their shade based on the brightness of the arc. This allows for more continuous work without needing to flip the helmet up and down, offering both convenience and increased safety.
How often should I replace the lens on my welding helmet?
The frequency of lens replacement largely depends on usage. If you weld daily, it’s a good practice to check your lens for any signs of wear or damage regularly. In an environment where there’s a lot of debris or spatter, lenses may need replacing more often. As a general rule, if the lens appears scratched, cracked, or if the auto-darkening feature is inconsistent, it’s time for a replacement.
Can I use the same welding helmet for different types of welding?
Yes, most modern welding helmets are versatile and can be used for various welding processes like TIG, MIG, and stick welding. However, it’s essential to ensure that the shade range of your helmet’s lens is appropriate for the type of welding you’re performing. Some processes may require a darker or lighter shade for optimal protection and visibility.
How should I maintain my welding helmet to ensure its longevity?
Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your welding helmet. Regularly wipe down the helmet’s exterior with a soft cloth to remove dust and debris. Clean the lens as per the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent scratches or damage. Store your helmet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. Periodically inspect your helmet for cracks, damages, or malfunctioning parts and replace them as necessary.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Save money on shipping costs for your Amazon purchases. Plus, enjoy thousands of titles from Amazons video library with an Amazon Prime membership. Learn more and sign up for a free trial today.
Image: Amazon
This article, "Welding Helmets: Choices for Your Business Needs" was first published on Small Business Trends