When to Use Welding Clamps and Welding Magnets
You only have so many hands and sometimes to achieve that perfect weld you need help. That’s where welding magnets and clamps come in to play. They can be used to create inside and outside corners as they can hold metal (tube and sheet) at a variety of different angles.
Magnets are useful when you need to get a tack weld started or when you need to solder a couple thin pieces of sheet metal. They can hold pipes in place for soldering and they are also good for doing layout work to prepare for all types of fabrication.
Small to large projects and various metal shapes require different types of clamps and magnets. Here are some ideas to add to your metal shop tools list:
Standard 4-in-1 clamp
Secure a piece of sheet metal to a welding table, or turn it into a pipe clamp with the V-Pad accessory. Add an extender block and reverse the clamp arm to create a spreader for laying out and welding metal cross-pieces. Use one or more extender blocks to create a step-over clamp for stepping over obstacles such as I-beams.
Adjust-O Magnets
Setting up and holding two pieces of metal in place for tack welding can be difficult, but if the metal is ferromagnetic (attracted to magnets), these handy magnets make it a snap. The secret is in the flip of a switch. Start by laying the Adjust-O magnet on the horizontal piece. Next, line up the cross piece using either the 90° or the 45° edge. Once both pieces are aligned, flip the magnet switch to lock them in place.
The Adjust-O Dual Switch
makes the process even more fool-proof. Once the first piece is in place, turn on the first magnet to lock it to that piece. Next, align the cross piece using the 90° or the 45° edge. Once it’s in position, switch on the second magnet to secure it. Reverse the switch to release the magnet when the job is complete. Adjust-O magnets feature 150 pounds of magnetic force and precision machined flat and V surfaces to securely hold both flats or rounds.
Sheet Metal Magnets
These strong magnets with plastic handles makes placing, moving, and removing magnets fast and easy. They hold sheet metal and automotive metal panels firmly in place to allow better access for cutting, tack welding, painting, etc. The magnets are made with rare earth metals for superior gripping power and the replaceable rubber pads provide friction for better handling of large, heavy workpieces. NOTE: Magnets must be removed before completing the weld.
Snake Magnets.
This set of two flat magnetic pads with an 18″ cable that holds two workpieces at odd angles. Metallic cable can bend and twist in any direction. Set includes a spring clamp that can replace one magnet head and hold small tools, acting as a “third hand.” NOTE: Magnets must be removed before completing the weld.
Ground Hog Clamp.
When performing metal arc welding, the Ground Hog clamps onto the metal surface being welded, creating a contact point that allows complete transfer of the electrical current in a full circuit. The clamp controls the electrical current by isolating the contact surface and the welding cable connection. The result is reduced power consumption and a smooth, continuous arc with no fade or heat transfer.
IMS stocks metal working tools for all levels of expertise, including hand tools and power tools, and an extensive variety of magnets and clamps, depending on your specific need. Some of the many options we stock include C-clamps, tube clamps, standard squares, and bolt-on or clamp-on bench vises.
Visit us online for all your welding supplies, or drop by one of our six convenient locations in Southern California and Arizona.
