Any using the Harbor Freight auto-darkening welding helmets?

[belaw]

Has anyone used the auto-darkening helmets from Harbor Freight? They're on sale for $50 but wanted to ask how they work before I took the plunge.

I love HF for simple tools, or tools that I only have to use a few times, but it seems the more mechanically complicted the tool is the more likely the HF version will be junk. Just want to make sure the welding helmets don't fit in this category before I buy one!

 

[Pin_Head]

I have had the HF blue flame model ($40) for a couple of years. Not something to be proud of, but it works fine and it has adjustable shades, which is great to use on the low setting for low amp TIG work.

 

[-Spike-]

I've had one for a few years, no issues. I don't weld a lot, though. I doubt it is as good as a high quality one from a big name, but it works. I have heard from an experienced welder that if you use a good one, you'll never be happy with a cheap one. So I don't use his.

 

[Zack1978]

I have one and it seems to work fine. I am not a great welder by any great length, but it worked fine. I am not sure what a really high quality helmet does better since I have never used one....


Zack

 

[Rwhat]

I have one and it kicks ass. I used the HF coupon and got it for $34.00 Beats the hell out of the $100 Lincoln Auto one without shade adjustments. For the price you simply cannot beat it if you use the coupon. I used mine to weld up the swing outs and tire carrier on my Labs bumper and did not have any problems.

 

[e9999]

mine is working fine, but I'll admit to some trepidation the first few times I used it.

I have to say that after using an auto helmet the thought of using a regular one becomes puzzling, at least for this newbie welder as in I like to see where I am when I starting the arc.. The auto helmet sure makes things easier.

 

[Zack1978]

I have used my HF for stick, MIG, and TIG, and it worked great......but what is the advantage(s) to an expensive helmet?


Zack

 

[nuclearlemon]

mine worked great for about six years. finally bit the big one. that hurt. getting used to a regular helmet now.

 

[import silvia]

I used one for a few years and it always worked well. I replaced it with a Miller elite and yes it is better, but it is not a life changing event or anything.

The elite has a much bigger window and 4 arc sensors. So I can see more of the work area and I don't get flashed as often when I weld in contorted positions.

But, it certainly would not be the first extra $200 I spent on my welding setup.

 

[Lake Rat]

I have a H.F. auto darkening that is still in use afer about 6 years, still works great. Has a solar panel at the top that keeps the thing ready to go when needed, if not set it in the sun for about 20 minutes it's ready to go. Works good, no problems so far. I also have a $250.00 Miller Pro series, I do like it much better, but had to replace the battery in it. When my son comes over to help me weld, he usually picks up the H.F. hood over the Miller (he is a much better welder than I am).

 

[cruiser88]

same here

I have had the HF blue flame model ($40) for a couple of years. Not something to be proud of, but it works fine and it has adjustable shades, which is great to use on the low setting for low amp TIG work.

 

[cruiser88]

thats a bitch............yea when i tried using a regular one I kept buggering stuff up for a minute

mine worked great for about six years. finally bit the big one. that hurt. getting used to a regular helmet now.

 

[fj40charles]

mine worked great for about six years. finally bit the big one. that hurt. getting used to a regular helmet now.

Be much better to spend another $50 and buy another AD helmet if the regular one is that bad/difficult to use.

 

[Dell]

I use the HF blue sticker ass hat, works well... switches at similar speed, (1/25,000) as many of the high dollar units, that I see.
have never been flashed... so... I'm pleased about that.

Tho' likely not as durable as the higher dollar helmets...
if one goes easy on it... should last for a few years

My first pos HF ass hat failed at the head band, after 4 years of service
cheap ass Chinese plastic, no doubt.

Tho' quality in material and finish might be lacking some...

The HF helmets will get the job done... for most hobbyists

Northern Tool also makes an inexpensive ass hat that seems to please
even a professional... ‪Cheap Auto Darkening Helmet Review‬‏ - YouTube

details of that...
Northern Tool - Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet customer reviews - product reviews - read top consumer ratings

^ I almost went with the NT unit...
but the HF 20% discount coupon won

.

 

[Dirt Boy]

It's what I use. I'm not welding a lot, and it works for me.

 

[AdventureToolCompany]

I've used mine for 5 + years without a problem. Good luck

 

[Hugh Heifer]

Mine is 4 years old. Hood is cracked but it still works.

 

[JVCTLC73]

I have the HF Chicago Electric adjustable auto darkening helmet, it has worked well for me. I use it for stick and wire flux welding on some pretty big jobs (also both HF welding machines). Can't beat it for the price...wait until it goes on sale of get a coupon out of Guns and Ammo magazine...should be able to pick it up for about $35.

 

[davegonz]

I've had mine for about 4 years and has worked well. No problems so far.

 

[caladin]

d

I have the really cheap grey one, the auto darkening park works great,
the helmet part is not so great, I have to be careful not to break it,
the strap broke at the temple and ti's held together with twist ties
and the bottom 2-3" have cracked and broken off a little at a till it's all gone..

Still better than the regular mask i bought 20 years ago to learn on
I THINK the other ones are slightly thicker plastic... but when it totally dies I'll get a good one,

My rule is if i don't know how much I'm going to use /like it, get harbor freight, and if I use it enough to destroy it, get a good one the next time.

Can't tell you how much stuff I get and use once or twice then don't need it forever.

Cal-