weld helmet

Auto-darkening and passive welding helmets that protect eyes and face during MIG, TIG and stick welding.

Welding Helmet with Flip-Up Lens
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Introduction

A weld helmet protects your eyes and face from arc light, sparks and spatter, and the main choice is between an auto-darkening lens and a fixed passive lens. Auto-darkening helmets switch shade in a fraction of a second when the arc strikes, so you can position the torch with a clear view.

  • Shade range: 9 to 13 covers most MIG, TIG and stick work.
  • Viewing area: larger windows help on out-of-position welds.
  • Sensors: four arc sensors react better than two when the view is partly blocked.

Choose a helmet rated to ANSI Z87.1 for eye and face protection.

FAQs

Low amperage TIG often works around shade 9 to 10, while higher amperage MIG and stick usually call for shade 10 to 13. A variable-shade helmet lets you adjust as you change processes.

Most solar helmets also carry a replaceable or backup battery, so the lens keeps working in dim shops. Replace the battery when the lens starts to flicker or darken slowly.

Many auto-darkening helmets have a grind mode that keeps the lens clear for cutting and grinding. Always wear safety glasses underneath, since a helmet flipped up gives no protection.

The ratchet should hold the shell firmly without pressing on the forehead, and the helmet should drop smoothly with a nod. Adjustable crown straps and a sweatband make long sessions more comfortable.

Outer and inner clear cover lenses get pitted by spatter and are meant to be swapped regularly. Sweatbands also wear out and are sold separately for many models.