Quick answer: Before your first weld at home, you need: an auto-darkening helmet, safety glasses, leather gloves, a flame-resistant jacket or cotton clothing, leather boots, a respirator for fumes, and an ABC fire extinguisher within reach. Then clear anything flammable from the area.
How we picked: we compared specs, duty cycle and thousands of verified buyer reviews on Amazon.com, with the eye of someone who inspects welds for a living. We have not tested every product in person.
Welding at home is safe if you respect three things: the light from the arc, the heat and sparks, and the fumes. Most injuries I hear about from hobby welders are burns, eye flashes and small garage fires, and nearly all of them are easy to prevent.
Here is a simple checklist of the gear you need and the habits that keep your garage from catching fire.
At a glance
| Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| YESWELDER LYG-M800H Auto-Darkening Helmet | Eyes and face | Check price |
| NoCry Clear Safety Glasses | Under the helmet | Check price |
| YESWELDER Leather Welding Jacket | Arms and body | Check price |
| Black Stallion FR Cotton Welding Jacket | Lighter option | Check price |
| 3M 6291 Half-Mask Respirator Kit with P100 Filters | Fumes | Check price |
| Amerex B417T 2.5 lb ABC Fire Extinguisher | Fire | Check price |
The safety gear checklist
YESWELDER LYG-M800H Auto-Darkening Helmet
Protects your eyes and skin from UV and IR light and darkens automatically when you strike the arc. See our full list of helmets under $100.
- Large view
- Very well rated
- Still wear safety glasses under it
NoCry Clear Safety Glasses
Grinding and chipping slag are when most eye injuries happen, often with the helmet up. Wear clear safety glasses all the time in the shop.
- Huge number of reviews
- Anti-fog
- Cheap
- Not a replacement for a helmet
YESWELDER Leather Welding Jacket
Leather stops spatter and UV burns on your arms and neck, which you get faster than you think.
- Full leather protection
- Well rated
- Warm in summer
Black Stallion FR Cotton Welding Jacket
Flame-resistant cotton jacket for light MIG and TIG work, cooler than leather.
- Light and cool
- Low price
- Less protection from heavy spatter
3M 6291 Half-Mask Respirator Kit with P100 Filters
Welding fumes are metal particles. A half mask with P100 filters is a sensible minimum indoors, and essential near galvanized or coated steel.
- Trusted brand
- Reusable
- P100 filters included
- Must fit under your helmet
Amerex B417T 2.5 lb ABC Fire Extinguisher
Keep an ABC extinguisher within reach every time you weld. It is the cheapest insurance you can buy.
- Rechargeable metal valve
- Very well rated
- Check the gauge regularly
Before you strike an arc
- Move anything flammable at least 35 ft away, or cover it with a welding blanket.
- Sweep up sawdust, rags and cardboard. Sparks travel far and roll under things.
- Open the garage door or use a fan to move fumes away from your face, not across it.
- Never weld on galvanized, painted or plated steel without removing the coating and wearing a respirator.
- Never weld on containers that held fuel or chemicals.
What to wear (and what not to)
- Cotton or wool clothing, or flame-resistant workwear. No synthetics: polyester and nylon melt onto your skin.
- Long sleeves buttoned up and collar closed, since UV burns your neck like sunburn.
- Leather boots, with your trousers over the top so sparks do not fall inside.
- No cuffs or open pockets that can catch sparks.
After you finish
Stay around for at least 30 minutes and check the area for smoldering spots. Many shop fires start after the welder has gone inside.
Keep reading: Best welding helmets under $100 · Best welding gloves · Best welding tables
FAQ
What safety gear do I need to start welding?
An auto-darkening helmet, safety glasses, leather gloves, a flame-resistant jacket or cotton clothing, leather boots, a respirator and an ABC fire extinguisher.
Do I need a respirator for welding at home?
It is strongly recommended indoors, and essential when welding galvanized or coated steel. A half mask with P100 filters is a common choice.
Can welding cause a garage fire?
Yes. Sparks can travel far. Clear flammable materials, keep an extinguisher nearby and check the area for 30 minutes after you finish.
Is it safe to look at welding without a helmet?
No. The arc can cause painful eye flash (arc eye) in seconds. Bystanders should look away or wear proper protection.