When it comes to any type of arc welding, welding helmets are an absolute necessity. All types of arc welding can expose operators to a range of health hazards including "arc eye," a type of corneal damage and retinal burns. The welding helmet also includes heavy material to shield the face and neck from sparks thrown by arc welding processes.

As a buyer of arc welding gear, you can find a variety of welding helmets as well as all other safety gear online. Business buyers might look for welding helmets in these kinds of situations:

1. To outfit a new arc welding setup where operators will be starting a new welding project.

2. To upgrade from old welding helmets that may pose health hazards to operators due to wear or cracks in the lens.

3. To accommodate new growth in a welding facility where business managers want to add more operators and work stations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get traditional 'tinted' arc welding helmet types

In the beginning of industrial arc welding, helmet models were made with tinted glass or other materials to protect the eyes of operators. You can find these basic designs from vendors online but be sure to check that they meet standards for workplace safety.

I recommend: Airmatic Inc. provides welding helmets for sale along with both safety and general operating gear. Get more welding helmet choices from U.S. Welding & Safety Supply Co., a distributor of safety gear from various manufacturers.

Get auto darkening welding helmet models

A 'darkening welding helmet' uses state of the art materials and innovation to automatically shade the eyes whenever the helmet is exposed to the light of a torch. Auto welding helmet models represent the current mode of production for these safety tools.

I recommend: Get auto welding helmets from Jackson, Fibre-Metal, Huntsman or others from the online catalog at Airgas, Inc. Look for auto dark welding helmet models at Mohawk Industrial & Nuclear Supply, Inc., a leader in safety gear or industrial applications.

Find specialized welding helmets from independent online shops

Aside from the big suppliers, you can also find welding helmet deals from other shops, like dedicated industrial safety providers or specialty retailers.

I recommend: The helmets for sale at Amtek Tool and Supply, Inc. feature additional technologies like auto on/off switches and voltage indicators. Get other custom welding helmet models from safety vendor, All Safety Products, Inc. where welding helmet shade types and face visors go along with other industrial safety solutions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do your homework to avoid any problems with welding helmets. When you're buying, make sure your welding helmet lens meets specific standards and requirements for operator safety. A helmet is one of the most important parts of any arc welding operation.