DIY Welders Third Hand Tool: How to Build
You will often see us using a tool that is used to hold metal in place while we tack or weld. This type of tool is called a third hand (or welders hand or other hand). As you know, TIG welding requries two hands, unlike MIG and some other welding processes. This makes it difficult to tack sometimes, especially if the piece you are trying to weld can't stand on its own. Unfortunately, these are not items that you can generally buy from a welding distributor or big box store. That is why we are going to show you how to build a welders third hand from items you can pick up at your local big box hardware store for less than $5.00.
Build a Welders Third Hand for less than $5.00! Oh yeah, and it will only take about 20 minutes or less to build. This is the perfect project for a new welder or just another project to build up your tool inventory.
Parts List:
2 - 12" Rebar ($1.18 ea)
1 - Counter weight (optional)
Spray paint (optional - $2)
Tools Needed:
Grinder
Welder
Vise
Step:
1. Grind the first piece of rebar to a point on one side.
2. Grind feet onto both sides of the second piece of rebar. You can braze on some copper fittings to the bottom of the feet if you want additional grounding, however we did not do this in this video.
3. Place the first piece of rebar in the vise and bend a 90 degree angle (3-4 inches from the point).
4. Place the second piece of rebar (in half) in the vise and bend it to a 30 degree angle.
5. Attach the two pieces together by welding or TIG brazing them at the bend point. (Clean with EZ wipe or Acetone before welding)
6.Tack weld the counter weight directly above the first weld.
7. Spray paint if desired.
DONE!
Ready to join the WELDing community? Download the WELD™ app in the Google or Apple stores or Log in online at www.weld.com today! Find welding resources and exclusive or refurbished videos with details to help you get the most out of your learning. Ask questions and let our advisors and community help you out! Check out awesome member discounts through our brand partners and enter to win monthly mystery boxes, listen in on our podcasts and follow our social channels: linktr.ee/WeldDotCom
Disclaimer: As an Affiliate and Industry Influencer, Weld.com earns from qualifying purchases via our posted links and affiliate links. Videos produced and made available by Weld.com or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, or representatives (collectively, "Weld.com") are provided for informational purposes only. Although every effort has been made to provide the most accurate and useful information from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information. As tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, and applicable laws, regulations and ordinances are constantly changing, Weld.com cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Under no circumstances shall Weld.com be responsible or liable in any way for any content, including but not limited to death, injury, errors or omissions in the content, or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of any content communicated in a video, on a website or by other means, whether displayed by Weld.com, or a third party in its original or a modified form. All content is subject to Weld.com and any third party's applicable terms and policies. Carefully review all terms and policies.
ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHEN UTILIZING ANY DISPLAYED TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, TECHNIQUES OR PROCESSES. IF EVER IN DOUBT, CONSULT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. ANY RELIANCE ON THE PRESENTED INFORMATION IS STRICTLY AT THE VIEWERS OWN RISK. EACH VIEWER EXPRESSLY AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUMES ANY AND ALL RISKS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DEATH, DISABILITY, AND/OR SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY RELATED TO THE USAGE OF ANY TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR TECHNIQUES OR PROCESSES IN THE PRESENTED CONTENT. IN THE EVENT OF AN INJURY IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Пікірлер: 54
that moment when you need a 3rd hand to weld the 3rd hand
The best use of a TIG machine for a maintenance technician is the ability to make custom tools that makes their job easier. I learned how to TIG weld over 40 years ago and would take scrap materials to make tools, sometimes melting in stainless washers to produce a desired shape. I will be making a third hand! Beats scrambling around finding a tool or piece of scrap to accomplish the same thing...
So simple yet so useful a tool. I need to use my everlast welder to make one today.
Great workshop tool and very helpful when working solo. Thanks for posting and Merry Christmas
thanks for the video i have been looking for something like that for odd angles i try to use a magnet when i can but as you know sometimes you cant
Thanks Wyatt, wherever you are..Cheers
Thank you for all the great videos you post. I appreciate all that you do for beginning welders like me. please keep posting informative videos like this one. I'm trying get certified... thanks again..
@Welddotcom
8 жыл бұрын
+Donnie Cook Always a pleasure Donnie. Thanks for watching
@stuartgeller7937
7 жыл бұрын
That is a very useful tool. I can't count the number of times I've been welding with my everlast and needed a third hand like that to hold something in place.
we miss seeing you Wyatt, best wishes from Orlando, Florida, Paul
Looks like a great tool! One thing though, you keep saying "counter balance' and "counter weight." It doesn't counter anything, it's just a weight.
thanks Wyatt
that thing is genius
Great vid and information how long was your rebar and size (diameter) any info would be great. I just picked up a Esab 161 what size tungsten and cup to use on my 17v torch air cooled Thanks Mark
Great tool to have on the workbench. I have two, one big and one smaller. Something I added was some copper. I took some copper house wire and tig brazed a bead of copper on all the contact points. Not sure if it helps or not, but seems to.
@aidanwilson9832
7 жыл бұрын
Jody suggested welding some silicon bronze on the end to help avoid arc strikes between the third hand and the work piece. If he says it will help I believe him so your copper is a good thing to have.
@dougankrum3328
7 жыл бұрын
...helps a lot....reduces 'arc strikes' and makes a better current connection....
I have a 3rd hand for soldering... Wish i had one with large clamps like the soldering one..
It’s also called The Stranger…🤫
Mr tug likes having a third hand. Bring back Bob Moffat.
@Mikey-ym6ok
4 жыл бұрын
Mr tug sounds like a gay pimp
@chrismclean8211
4 жыл бұрын
Michael Smith. He looks like one too.. Anyone that that makes a stage name for themselves is either a pro wrestler or is in the adult entertainment industry. Nuf said
@Mikey-ym6ok
4 жыл бұрын
Chris Mclean hahaha yeah that kinda crap bothers me too.
I was thinking of making one of copper, but I have everything I need for this. Looks like my next build.
@fredalmond9130
7 жыл бұрын
I welded one with my everlast welder right after watching this video!
its called a grass hopper.its used on long runs of pipe so you can hook your ground up to it.you put the point right in the bevel of pipe.
how much is the Counterweight and where can that be bought since I don't have one. do you have a link to it thanks. include the cost of counterweight in total cost for this.
That looks pretty unstable for my taste, I much prefer a thick magnetic triangle and a strong neodymium magnet to sandwich the upright part in between. That third hand thing works probably fine for things that will not tip over so easily, but also there I am quite a fanboy of a strong collection of neodymium magnets ^^
@millerwelds4619
7 жыл бұрын
noob , he did say it was stainless material he was tacking up. your super magnets have no power here !
@PlasmaHH
7 жыл бұрын
miller welds noob, learn to read, especially the "strong neodymuim magnet to sandwich the upright part in between". They may not stick to the steel plate, but stick with enough force to the triangle to hold something in between
@levi501ish
6 жыл бұрын
Dennis Lubert I was thinking the same thing. My triangle magnets are my third hand.
Tigging rebar. Talk about putting lipstick on a pig.
@Narza85
3 жыл бұрын
Rebar aint no pig. It holds skyscrapers in place. :D
why not make a clip to suspend it so that u can tac adjustable suspender up and down
I made 4 of them from solid stainless rods. 10 years ago . Today i only have 2 left give 2 alway i havent use them yet 😧
$1.18 for a foot of rebar?!? That’s crazy. Even for now in 2021 that’s highway robbery
what welder did he use
@Welddotcom
7 жыл бұрын
This video we used an AHP AlphaTIG 200x
counterweight? you just added weight
''THEY'' call me Mr Tig - whoever they are
Who needs three hands for this?? Everything is already fully welded before you find your third hand in your drawer lol.
That's a chapulin.a grass hopper.pipe grass hopper.
you need a 2nd person not a 3rd person
Mr Knob
Who tf is this guy? Where Bob?
@Labrador_Forge
4 жыл бұрын
He is the predecessor to Bob, I for one and glad that Bob took over
Mr TIG.....🙄
I'm Canadian, and yes we say "Eh" Americans say "You can go ahead and..." bugs the hell out of me Eh.
@mauirandall8176
4 жыл бұрын
Well if you don't like it you can go ahead and f*** off. Eh Nah but what's wrong with go ahead just means to do something without further preparation
2 minutes and 50 seconds of shit talk before any fab starts