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Finding the right auto-darkening welding helmet seems not a big deal, right?
Let me share my personal experience when I purchase the auto-darkening helmet the first time. You can’t imagine how the infrared rays make my life hell.
Oh, that vision-damaging ultraviolet!!!!!
Let me take a wild guess you are also ark welder and so concerned about safety. But can’t figure out how to test auto-darkening welding helmets, and I, right?
Yes, an auto-darkening welding helmet is the most important piece of safety attire. A good helmet can protect your eyes and skin not only from sparks but also from vision-damaging ultraviolet.
Today I’m going to break down the 8 super cool hacks to find out the right auto-darkening welding helmet.
8 Simple and Easy Hacks to Test Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
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Although top-rated welding helmet brands are guaranteed your safety, don’t be fooled with their fancy promises. We recommend checking with plenty of tests to get the finest one. Below, we have 8 smart hacks on how to achieve this.
1. Safety First
Undoubtedly the main purpose of using a helmet is to protect the skin and eye. So make sure the helmet you choose has met the industrial standard.
Don’t even try to deny it.
Being up-to-date with the updated National Safety Standards is crucial if you want to be comfortable with the evolvement of the helmet industry. So take them seriously, without considering how complicated things may seem.[
So what safety features you should look in a good auto darkening welding helmet?
- Have UV protection?
- Can it filter the infrared rays?
- Meet the ANSI Z87.1- 2003?
- Does it have sustainability in environments ranging from 22 -131 degrees F?
2. Adjustable shade lens
If you are a professional welder, you know better that there are several types of welding processes like MIG, TIG welding or stick welding. And you are going to different weld materials also such as:
- Steel
- Metals
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
Let me clear one technical issue. All those various metal needs separate types of process, along with different amp range. As a welder, we have to deal with a different metal. So you should pick something that has a variable shade lens.
Why adjustable shade lens is so important?
Well, when the lens of the helmet has variable shades, you can adjust its filter to different levels of brightness. The main purpose is to ensure the best visibility so that you can see every detail.
3. Clear Visibility
Nothing is more important than the optical clarity of an auto-darkening welding helmet. In fact, how are you supposed to work if you can’t see out?
So what is optical clarity?
It’s all about the ability to watch clearly when you put your helmet on. So make sure it has optical clarity. So check the visibility as the auto-darkening helmet feature works.
4. Reaction to Sun
A test by glance towards the sun, measure how the lenses react.
The sun test is the smartest way to test the quality of your welding helmet. It’s because it will require all of the features on the welding helmet to work together.
Simply put on the helmet, head outside, and be into a comfortable spot. All you have to do is a glance towards the sun, then notice how your lenses react.
How can you measure whether it’s satisfactory or not?
If you notice the helmet is reactive, then the lenses should darken. Now come to the next step. Glance towards the sun, and then slowly move your hands just in front of your face.
Now, look carefully.
Since your hands are moving, your welding helmet should still be registered the light. Hence, your lenses should remain dark. Well, if they don’t, consider replacing your helmet as early as possible.
5. Consider the Weight
Convenience is a crucial matter, right?
One of the best things about auto-darkening helmets is usually lightweight. And that’s great because we welder has to move around a lot.
WHY am I saying this?
Well, a lightweight minimizes STRAIN on the neck and the possibility of fatigue. On the other hand, A heavyweight welding helmet will cause you only a lot of discomfort. So try to pick something between 18-21 ounces.
6. Check the power source and battery life
You may know that an auto-darkening helmet is powered in various ways. But Usually, Auto-darkening helmets can be powered with:
- Non-replaceable batteries
- Manually replaceable batteries
Both types of batteries are able to use the support of solar power. Before purchasing an auto-darkening welding helmet, you should make sure that its battery and power source is suitable enough for your needs.
But for great longevity, I highly recommended replaceable batteries so that you can change them anytime you want. One definite advantage is they are time-saving as well as conventional.
7. Check sensitivity
Ok, I know what you are thinking. Why is Sensitivity a big deal?
Well, Sensitivity is very important as sometimes the overhead light gives it darkens when you don’t want it to darken. Thus, Sensitivity control is an essential attribute for every auto-darkening helmet. It can control the filtering of the lens.
Instead of a cheap auto-darkening welding helmet, you should look for that one that comes with adjustable Sensitivity.
8. Delay Controls
Sudden flashing is a common incident during welding.
If your auto-darkening helmet has delay control, then you don’t have to worry about sudden flashing. Of course, you want to weld avoid harming your vision, right?
Delay control is such a benefit in keeping you from getting flashed. Hence, it’s quite helpful in keeping its lens dark, so users don’t have to stare at the harmful red hot weld.
On the other hand, it will keep your eyes protected during welding. So inspect safely your welding without any tension. So test the delay control will be a wise decision.
Wrapping up
You’ve read about the 8 simple hacks to test the auto-darkening welding helmet. Now it’s time to implement them.
Keep welding y’ all!
