Welding with jumper cables and a pair of batteries
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- Опубліковано 17 вер 2011
- A word of caution: When done properly with healthy batteries, this method of emergency welding is safe. However, there are dozens of ways to screw this up and cause property damage and injury. Attempt this at your own risk! I accept no liability for what you decide to do.
This is a short video demonstrating how to weld steel using a pair of batteries and a set of jumper cables. I've used this method out on the trail lots of times and it comes in handy when you find yourself with broken parts out in the middle of nowhere!
While I would not recommend using this as your primary shop welder, it does work well in an emergency situation. Adding a few pounds of welding rod to your toolbox is excellent insurance against a long walk home!
Common questions that seem to keep popping up:
What electrode did I use in the video?
I believe that I used 1/8" 6011 in the video, although the electrode choice depends on the material you intend to weld. I've found that 6011 or 7018 works well for most trail repairs
will it destroy the batteries?
No; I'm certain that it isn't GOOD for them, but when done properly, this method of welding draws roughly 150 amps...similar to a starter motor or a lightly loaded winch motor. A typical 8000lb winch under full load can approach 500 amps; WAY more than this welding method. From the battery's perspective, there is little difference between trying to start your vehicle for 15 seconds or welding for 15 seconds. One of the batteries in my Samurai is the same 9 year old battery that has completed dozens of trail repairs.
Will the batteries explode?
I'm sure there is probably some calculable (albeit minimal) risk. It is rare, but faulty batteries have been known to explode when placed under a heavy load. Batteries offgas very little under discharge (there may be some H2 and O2 gas left in the cells from the last charge cycle, but the concentrations are so low there is almost no risk. The discharge cycle does produce a small amount of aqueous hydrogen, but this remains in the electrolyte and does not leave the battery). The hydrogen and oxygen gas they produce under charge IS flammable and can explode; so don't charge the batteries and then immediately weld next to them. As the discharge rate is similar to an engine starting, there is no more risk of the battery exploding during welding than there is during an engine startup. When was the last time you heard of a battery explosion that WASN'T related to somebody hooking up jumper cables backward or some other kind of operator error? Don't let a fear of a battery explosion keep you from using this technique to complete an emergency trailside repair. I would be foolish to say there is no risk, but the risk IS minimal.
What have you repaired on the trail with this method?
1 Samurai tie rod end, one beadlock bolt (got ripped out of the wheel, causing a large leak), one XJ tie rod, one air intake horn on a VW diesel engine, one Land Cruiser frame and steering box, one off-road trailer frame, two different lower shock mounts, one spring plate, an upper wishbone for the rear axle on a Suzuki Sidekick, and I have used it about a dozen or more times for quick "band aid" repairs around my property. I have watched other people use this quite a number of times, and a friend of mine even built an entire rollcage using this method. - Наука та технологія
This video has been up for quite a few years and there are lots of comments/questions that get asked frequently. Here are my answers to the most common ones:
1. "Don't set the batteries on concrete, it will damage them!" This is something that used to be true, about 60 years ago. Modern battery case design, vent systems, and materials mean that it is perfectly OK to put batteries on a concrete surface. I won't go into great detail, but the reasons why are easily available using a google search.
2. "What rod did you use?" 1/8" 7018 is what I carry in my vehicle.
3. "This irreparably damages the batteries" No, it doesn't. Welding current using this method varies; but is generally around 150 amps. That is less than a starter motor, a winch, and even some stereo systems. Automotive batteries have no problem supplying this current for short duration, most of them are rated at 650CCA or more. However, if it is necessary to weld for more than 20-30 seconds at a time, you should take a break to let the battery cool. And, depending on battery chemistry, you shouldn't discharge the battery below about 50% or its life will be diminished.
4. "I can get rid of my welder now!" Please don't! This is an emergency repair technique, not designed to replace proper welding equipment. It has lots of limitations; most notable is the lack of ability to control current. With decent jumper cables (4GA or larger), 1/8" rod, and healthy batteries, you'll get about 150A of welding current. But, there are all sorts of variables there so actual welding current will vary based on your setup. I can easily weld 1/8"-1/4" material using this method, good for most emergency trailside repairs. I have used it for things like cracked frames, broken suspension links, shock mounts, etc. For any jobs where I plan to have to weld, I'll take my Miller Bobcat and my wire feeder over the jumper cables any day.
5. "The batteries will explode!" Modern, healthy batteries will not discharge hydrogen gas during discharge. So no, this isn't a bomb. Improper charging, a damaged battery, or a damaged venting system CAN cause hydrogen gas to form, so it is prudent to make sure you're not dropping sparks right on top of the batteries. In my life, I witnessed one battery explosion and it was ugly. It was NOT for welding with batteries; it was jumper cables that were hooked up backwards and left in place. I would never say there is NO risk, but the risk is minimal.
6. "Can I weld with 12V and 1/16" rod?" I haven't had good luck with this...and most emergency repairs don't need this small of an electrode anyway.
7. "I'm a welder/CWI/etc. and this doesn't work!" It works just fine...as an emergency repair technique. I used to be certified as well (though I haven't been for many years) and I would NEVER use batteries and jumper cables for a weld that was going to be inspected, or that I needed to rely on. It does, however, work quite well to stick two pieces of metal together long enough to limp a damaged vehicle home. It is not a substitute for a real welding power supply! This is essentially a constant voltage source; a normal SMAW welder is constant current so an experienced welder may try this and be immediately turned off by how different it is from normal welding. But, it DOES work for emergency repairs.
Egads, the world really *is* that stupid. Half of Africa is held together with metal welded by a guy using this technique (though they do often use more batteries that I've seen). Folks, it's a way to weld when you ain't in the shop with your $20K Miller rig - lighten up.
HEY MEXICAN !!!! I don’t like anyone anymore. Including myself. ⚡️⚡️⚡️. THANKS FOR THE VIDEO 💯💯💯💯💯. 💥💥💥💥
Say of you had a dual battery truck. Could you run the batterys while still connected to a running truck with out damaging it to keep a charge going to the batterys while welding?. Or would running the batterys I series while connected to the truck not work. Or would this work with just 1 battery?. Maybe use a thinner rod?
I'm amazed how many people still think it is bad to store a battery on cement even though this has been well explained for at least 30 years that I can think of as false for modern batteries.
Dude you sir kick ass 🤘🤓🤘
REALLY a great video! Seen this done about 40 years ago out in the middle of the Mohave desert, about 30 miles from nowhere! Group of about 20 or 25 Jeepers were out having fun when one jeep broke a spring mount away from the frame. One cleaver jeeper performed a miracle in the middle of nowhere using the batteries from a couple of jeeps just as you showed us here!! Thanks again!!!!
Awesome. I’m just now getting clued in how welding just being shorted current to melt metal.
only took 10 years for youtube to show me this!!!!!!! all i gotta say is wow!!!
Who knew someone's dad would be giving me a tutorial on welding with car batteries learn something new everyday
Just remember, you'll be one too.
More like someones son because we dont know if he has kids
In Africa we use old wire coat hangers (the plastic coating makes good flux) and for a helmet you just have to squint or use 3 pairs of sun glasses!!
I've welded with coat hangers and a battery before, and it actually makes a pretty nice looking weld.
I don't think squinting is going to help much; UV can easily penetrate your eyelids.
Sanwi Derp for 24 $a month we can buy this guy an welder and some rods lol
craftsman mud mower Lol if you guys want to buy me a welder feel free.
A Boera Maak n Plan!
I did this many times in our junk yard to fix old decaying yard truck or other equipment. Got quite a surprise when I had to do this on a rush job in the rain!! We used old coat hangers for rods, worked quite well. Its an art form really.
This is by far the best video on battery welding I know it's years later but thanks man for glimmers of hope.
Wow here 11 years later & this video is still helping out folk like me just like you shot it yesterday , thank you
I used 1/8" rod in this video
Matt Verley - you're wonderful . Thanks so much!
Thanks was going to ask. I have a welder but this will be handy on a RV trip if needed or to help someone else out. May even get a tip. haha Best explanation on this I have seen so far
That's 2.5mm to all the metric heads👍
Thanks man. That was really helpful. I had heard you could do this but I would have instinctively put the welding rod on the positive cable and had a poor result. Thanks for making this video. Those welds looked cleaner than the welds I do with my wire feed welder!
This is amazing. Short and sweet, and I love the comment that mentions using wire hangers and multiple sunglasses. An emergency welding station with everyday materials! Knowledge truly is priceless. Thank you!
Definitely going to keep this in my back pocket.
I have an RV with two deep cycle batteries and all of the connections for this that I take in the back country. All I need to add is welding rod and a helmet.
Good to know about the polarity. Electrons flow from negative to positive so it makes sense.
Thanks!
Christ I wish I’d known this trick back in 86. We were crossing the Sahara when an accompanying motorcyclist from Lyon broke a sprocket. Luckily a lone truck came to his aid and ours. He was lucky, back then there were no roads and no stops for great swathes of desert. We had no GPS and would have had to leave him there or abandon his bike. All he needed was 3 mins of welding and he was ready to go again. This could well have been a life saver. I will never forget this. Cheers.
I hitchhiked from Algiers to Gabon in 69. Across the desert there was no road or road signs, just an empty oil drum every 1/2 mile or so as a marker. Trucks were the only vehicles which wouldn't get stuck in sand. Spent a few cold nights in my tiny tent hundreds of miles from anywhere. I have yet to write an account, but I will.
Matt ,damn good job. This little trick saved my car and my job. I just read a lot of comments on this. God bless youtube and may God continue to bless people like you.
You gave a clear explanation on how to do emergency repairs. I also likes your remarks in the comments section. Thanks you for showing us a great tip!!
Lifesaver method! Thanks. When I was a kid my grandpa weld with the battery boxes and water adding salt. I don´ t have clear how, but he added more or less salt depending the amp that he needed. And yes, we live in Cuba at this time, there isn´t Harbor Freight, He used it as shop welder. Years later he get a old and broken huge electric transformer, that´s kind that is used in post on the streets and he build a sticker welder with regulation which was a crank and this crank displace the center of coil near or far for desired amperage.
Amazing! I can see how that would work.
That is very ingenious. Thank you for the informative video.
thanks.. I may come in handy for desperate times like having car trouble.. I will now bring always a 1/16 stainless welding rod..
I absolutely loved this info. I work on a farm and I have never once broke down any place close to the shop. I use 24 volt equipment already have multiple batteries on hand. And usually jumper cables on board as well. Thank you sir, i am now a subscriber to your channel.
Glad you found it useful!
Best DIY battery welding video I've seen yet. Thanks much.
Dude thank you for making this video I have never welded before but in case we were in a Emergency situation or some type of end of the world scenario I can see the need to be able to do this.
Dang brother that looks super clean for what it is
This is the most to the point but informational video I've seen.
That's a useful trick to know. And thank you very much for the sound safety advice and comprehensive explanation.
Great video. I've never considered this. I didnt think you could get enough amps to weld with car batteries. Wish I could of seen this years ago, it would of come in handy. Thanks.
I've been called a lot of things; submariner, electronics technician, welder, nuclear engineer, firefighter, fabricator, scuba diver, and more. But never an idiot numnut. Thanks for that. I'll just file that away and add it to my repertoire.
We are many, out here, who report if anyone calls a virtuous person like you bad words, while all that you do is to help the world out, for free even.
Envy has many faces - one of these faces shouts out bad words against patriots like yourself.
Going on my first deployment as a nuke in a few weeks
@@dombomb8679 What rate are you?
@@DigitalAgeInstitute Being handy equals patriotic? Hell! I'm a gosh darn stars and stripes! ;)
I’ve never seen this done. Very useful when in a pinch. Thanks for the tip.
This reminds me of my grandfather, that back in the early 1970's showed me how to do this. If my memory serves me right he was born in the year 1900 even. Thanks for the upload.
All I have to say is thank you, this is a great video.
Cool, I'm impressed! Pretty smooth welding. ThAnks
I've heard of this but never actually watched it being done. Thanks for the info.
Great video. I know of one battery that exploded under load (while starting ) and that was because the guy broke the terminal post inside the battery when he was tightening the cable connection. It was very spectacular! 😀
I'm blind now! thank you! that's freaking cool! keep the stuff coming!
That's really a great piece of information to know . Thanks for putting it up. Even with years of technical background , I had never known this. Thanks again.
Wow, I learned something very cool. Thank you ... don't know if I will ever use this, but I feel like MacGvyer should have covered this in at least one episode. This is defiantly Mythbusters worthy.
Awesome
Very useful video, clearly explained and demonstrated! Well done.
@Matt Verley One of the best and useful videos I've watched on UA-cam! Awesome job, thanks for making it!
Cool!
Great vid about how to weld with two car batteries, and how to double your stopping power.
I can't believe you didn't get a thousand likes for that comment that is funny
out standing wow never new you could do this holy moly thanks for the great up date for back up on the trails ect . two thumps up buddy
Very useful ! My shop only has 50Amp service. So running even a small amp welder makes the lights flicker. Thanks for the Demo.
Excellent video....well spoken,...clear, concise and professional...interesting too. Keep making videos. People like you will rule after our economy fails.
Thanks!
Frank Berry fuck you you suck,,, economy falling apart,,, hahahaha
That's the kissiningest assed comment I think I'd ever heard.
Im impressed!! Soo simple. Yet, highly educational.. Great job Sir!!
@@d3athsquad843 That is the best way to fuck up two good batteries:-( They have a good chance to explode and you will get washed up in acid!!!!
This is amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for this video, I'm building a Skoolie (school bus camper) and I needed to do some welding and I wasn't sure how I was going to get it done without the equipment.
Matthias Southwick Just buy two new batteries from different stores and return them 6 days later muahahaha
Thanks for the info. Always good to know other, alternative ways to glue metal together
you sir, you are my hero of the month on youtube. just because of your safety preparations (fire extinguisher)
Victor Fernandez not quite. Shouldn't the extinguisher be at arm's reach? Just a guy who put one in camera site to lessen the the backlash of negative comments.
@@elpapirin9240 WOW 😯 El Negatoro had to put in something negative 👎🏻 This is the guy that would have froze up if a fire happened and it wouldn’t have mattered if one was at arms reach or a hundred miles away. And afterwards he would have blamed it on anyone but himself.
good video and factual data. ONce rode astride jeep engine with open hood. air filter off, me dripping gas from coke bottle directly down carb to run engine. buddy driving. bad fuel pump. worked pretty well for 8 miles to a paved road and tow vehicle. Saved walking. Had to stop to refill bottle many times. down hills was fine, going up was a challenge, but I kinda got the hang of it. Never thought of a possible backfire!! Tired thumb on bottle top made me have to stop and rest also. You do lots of goofy things when you are 18 to save a long walk.
Your not alone. Did that to get home one Sat night a long time ago. Only it was a '76 ford ranchero. Edit: We had to take the hood off and put it in the back, so my buddy could see where he was going.
Cousin of mine with the same problem used his windshield washers system, dumped out the fluid, filled it with gas rerouted the line to the top of the cab, had to repeatedly pump that button but it worked, and a little safer, plus you could do it in a pissing down rainstorm , unfortunately with the newer tecnobuggies we drive now probably can't do either now.
You're indeed a tough cookie. Admirable story!!
Intelligence is indeed not necessarily AT ALL connected to these sick square-circle-triangle figures on paper. You must be a lucky man, daily experiencing the benefits of having a great brain.
Congratulations!
I hope that you are happy, too?
Tired thumb? hell,i would just have poked a small hole on the soda bottle cap lol
I did this in the middle of the Mojave desert, I had two batteries in my truck, used 7018 to fix a busted spring perch on my truck.. great video
I arc weld and mig weld never thought you could do that. Really cool
My dad showed me this a long time ago when I broke the frame on my Honda cr250 at pismo beach, saved the day and i got to ride my bike for the rest of the trip
Your dad is a g foreal you prob felt unstoppable
Batteries can also be used to make an inexpensive spot welder. But one safety warning that was not in the video. . . If you have very good, high amperage booster cables and the welding rod should stick, it is possible for the batteries to explode. The first time I saw a battery explode was when a fellow placed some plywood under his battery because the tray was corroded. This lifted the battery just enough so that when he closed the hood of his truck, the battery shorted against the hood. It blew the hood back open among other damage done. Lucky, he had walked far enough away to not be hurt before it blew.
Exploding batteries are worse than I had ever imagined. I was in a shop where someone left a deep cycle marine battery on a charger without popping the caps for far too long. A couple of days I believe. When it decided to blow it scared the living !#@! out of everyone. Even worse than the near heart attack was the battery acid cloud sent throughout the shop. In addition to that, a 6 to 8 foot area was completely contaminated. One of the most dangerous things I've seen. Batteries are no joke. Lucky no one was standing next to it when it blew up.
I've witnessed a couple of battery explosions; one was due to jumper cables being hooked up in reverse (my father on a tractor when I was about 10 years old) and another in a golf cart during charging (charger was removed under power and vent caps removed following extended charging). Both were violent and caused a fair bit of damage. I have heard of others as well; but every single one of them involved improper charging or excessive amp draw/short circuit, improper venting, or other misuse/abuse. Welding with this method draws about 150 amps; well within the discharge rate of most any automotive battery (and under what a starter motor, winch, or other large electrical motor would draw). Sticking a welding electrode is certainly a possibility, but only dangerous of the welder leaves it stuck for an extended period of time and neglects to pull it out of the holder or remove a cable. You're correct; I probably should have mentioned the risk in the video. When conducted properly, this method of welding is safe. But there are about a dozen ways that a person could make it unsafe and I did make mention of this in my video description.
sewerzuk You are right that most batteries explode while being charged. This is because hydrogen gas is released during the charge cycle.
I too have welded using batteries. But mostly just spot welding. Done correctly it works fine.
Roy Riederer
Roy Riederer h
They sell set ups for jeeps specifically that upgrades the alternator and includes a management panel and female connectors for welding leads and grounds to provide a constant power source driven by the motor for people who are often in situations which require them to field weld "unexpectedly", as in less than a person whose intended purpose is to be field welding, but more than a person who wouldn't understand how to field weld if their vehicle broke on the trail anyway...
Its incredibly useful knowledge that you have done a really good job explaining the basics of as well as addressing the obvious shortcomings of its application, Thank you and well done! This is absolutely worth reviewing and having a working understanding of for emergency situations (the reason we train for emergencies is because during an emergency is not the time to learn the skills needed to be competent in handling emergencies)
Been a Pro Mechanic 40+ years Always heard you can weld from Car Battery but Two Batteries in Series by the look of the Flash and Sound you had Plenty of Power to Melt Metal on both Rotors your Welds Look Really good. I learned a Very Cool Skill Tonight See you can teach a Old Dog New Trick. You guys are Young Learn New Skills everyday it's so Important I still do. Good Luck
Really good - THANKS for posting!
I know the 6011 rod will penetrate well even on fairly nasty workpieces, but was surprised the electrode (rod) was on the negative side - sure worked though. In practice, the negative side in DC welding is the side that gets the most heat applied (so I assumed the brakes needed that being thicker), but you certainly nailed it, so taught me something for sure.
awesome stuff! i don't know why Mcguiver welding with the nickle was playing in my head haha.
I'm going to try this on my metal gate that needs a hinge re-welded back on after the old original weld broke. I'm actually excited about doing this repair.
Glad I watched this, just that tip on reversing the polarity could be success or failure, probably never need to do this but nowing that would greatly increase my chances of success.
absolutely wonderful video. There have been several times we were out and broke something and would have given anything to have known this. Thank you very much.
You are amazing thanks for making the video
I was thinking about it since i get a small dc welder delivering output : 66 vdc , thanks to your video i know it works for emergency use , thanks a lot smart man.
Nice video! Matt, when you put the pliers on the second terminal at 2:01 and pulled towards the other terminal, I recalled a coworker who pulled a wrench around so far, he shorted between the terminals..
The bad part was it wasn't a direct short. The current was flowing thru his class ring. That ring glowed red.
The good thing was Mass General Hospital was nearby, and they saved his finger.
The electrode was 1/8" in the video. I have tried (just for fun) welding with a coat hanger. It doesn't work well at all, since there is no barrier to contamination from the atmosphere. The joint isn't strong and it looks terrible. But...in a REAL pinch, it could be used to stick 2 pieces of metal together. Much better to just buy a few $ worth of good welding rod though!
very early arc weldors wrapped wet paper around bare steel to create the coating
why not use iron cable?
Apart from hwo dangerous it would be, wouldn't an open flame from a torch directed at the weld during welding sort of protect the oxidation? How about carbon coating the piece at a welded point with some tar, so it deprives the atmosphere out of oxygen for a moment?
Great video, good job, thank you
That's cool. Didn't know that was possible. Another daily lesson. Thanks for upload.
good job...we did that in the military in the field!
a welding blanket will reduce fires...
thanks for the reminder...it is also helpful in the case of a vehicle break down...or in my case.. I had a buddy haul metal for my tree house framing. it is a truck camper on stilts...little more. easier to haul the batteries out than a generator capable of that current. made a wood table and a welding blanket work area to reduce risk of fire.
videos like this one are very valuable to teach, remind and assist DIY people that you have choices sometimes you need to think and ask..
I would how ever recommend a class at a school in basic welding and have at least little brazing cooper in that...Im not a welder Im an Engineer...lousy tools in the bag beat no tools in the bag...
That was freaken awesome dude ! Thumbs up for You ! :) Do you require any particular kind of welding rods for the DC battery version of this type of welding, or will any type work ?
james bolton Thanks for the heads up on the type of welding rods for DC welding James :) I am going off Grid this Spring so I will need to be doing some small tack welds :)
Mark Job it uses more power, but DC to AC converter? seems obvious but idk.
Mark Job j
I watched an old farmer use this technique many years ago. I asked him if he ever gets through the day without breaking something. He replied, "Never. That's just farm life. You just learn to fix everything"
Love this idea. I'll do this sometime even if I have a welder just to make my friends laugh. Thanks!!!
The flip out in the multi-tool was slick af
i'm a fourty year vetran welder. I like the video cause I like welding and making stuff. Like electon beam welding of titanium parts for the miltary 2 billion dollar stealth bomber. Still do some stick welding. 2 suggestions. I couldn't tell if you had safety glasses on but I would suggest no one try this without safety glasses (or some type of glasses under the hood) two reasons. Those Sparks you see bouncing around can easily hit your chest and go underneath the helmet and end up in your eye. a glowing piece of Steel in your eye could be the end of sight in that eye. also generally speaking welding leaves slag behind on the surface of the weld. usually it can't be brushed off without first shipping it off with a slag hammer or other device then polishing with a wire brush. those hot pieces of slag likewise can end up in your eyes. more than once even with glasses on pieces of slag have stuck on my skin causing deep burns on my face. can you imagine a red-hot piece of slag on the surface of your eye? the other thing especially for new welders the rod can stick on the part actually welded to part. There is now no release for that battery energy. Now you must remove your vice grips quickly before you cause serious problems with those batteries. anyway thanks for the video and happy welding.
what are the chances of that? you can only be so careful before it becomes ridiculous...
He’s right while wearing a mask I once got a spark go dangerously close to my eye while mig welding now I wear goggles with the mask
Especially when I weld at uncomfortable angles like under a car
@@kingjames4886 It happens more often than you think... I've been welding for less than a year now, already have gotten pieces of slag stuck to my lips, in my beard, and had one red hot ball bounce off my shoulder, into my helmet, behind my safety glasses and right onto my eyelid, singing off some of my eyelashes. Those little red balls really know how to get into weird spots.
so you're saying you've taken balls to the face before? heh.
king james488 big red hot balls to be exact 😏
Will Smith you my friend are a fucking genius love your work will be trying this out on the weekend... thanks again 😉
Very cool , it looks like the system welds quite smoothly .
I don't care what anyone says that's very useful. You nailed it!
Love it dude. Cheers.
Incredible, I didn't know that could be done. Great piece of information. Short and right to the point.
Thankyou for posting this info.
Cool! I can use this to practice during my off work hours while I save up for a certification course. The internet is awsome!
Sir, that is a brilliant idea. never thought of that.
2 Questions: 1) As a good general purpose emergency kit what should I buy in welding rod? 2) Is there a best way to store the rod to prevent moisture etc from making it less useful? Vacuum pack? Excellent video, I really learned something I didn't know... Rod on the negative terminal... wouldn't have guessed that.
6011 is a good general purpose electrode; I'd say it would cover the majority of the trail repairs that you might come up against. If you have the ability to vacuum seal your welding rods, that would be best. I just keep mine in a gasketed hard case....
Ammo can🤔
Here in prison we use corn chips, 4 D batteries and a comb. All available thru commissary!
Update: This isn’t my name, I was hacked. Ahhh I mean, This guy Mike was hacked.
*Interesting*
You forgot to use the Ramen noodles as a flux!!!!
A great info.video. I saw it done.....but find it unbelievable without arc stabilization. But in an emergency ... hell yes DO IT !!
Something a lot of people don't know about. Also useful for pulling dents on cars that glue won't suffice with. Use a washer, and a hook to pull on it (or multigrips), then knock it up and down a few times with whatever is in your hand to wiggle it to break it free, grab it in the jumper cables again, re-attach, repeat until the dent is gone.
This video just made my day. 😛
McGyver would be proud!
McGuyver can weld with a quarter
down in south America in the jungle. do you remember all the ants?
I remember that show when I was a kid. I look back and wonder if he did dope.lol
Exactly what I was thinking. That clip was in the opening titles too. I remember he used 50 cent pieces, the line was "Power of the American dollar...Well, half dollar actually." Not sure how he found two 50 cent pieces on a remote farm in a south America, I can go a year or more without seeing one in the US.
+Dan P I know Mack did, look at his face when he smiles
Very informative video without a long talking session. Just to the point. I run 1G battery cables in my Ramcharger with exess cable, I can dismount it all in about ten mintues and get set up to weld. I also carry 1 g HD jumper cables. This video corrected me on some wrong ideas. Mainly having the ground clamped.
I've watched many videos of arc welding with automotive batteries and jumper cables, and this video is by far the best one of them all.
A week or so ago I had revived my wifes old dead car battery with distilled water and epsom salt and charged it overnight. I had purchased a deep cycle battery for her dads boat just a few days ago. Tonight I used both batteries to spot weld a fender back onto my father-in-laws 1988 Chevy van (yes, they are spot-welded on, not bolted on) using the above mentioned batteries, and I must say that after a little bit of practice I was successful in my task.
This old dog just learned a new trick. Thank You
you ....are the man!!!!
that's layin it on kinda thick,bub.....cool beans maybe......ha ha ha
Just when I thought I saw it all....Great Video.... Great Skills.... Thank You!!
Used this method over twenty years ago to fix an exhaust on a lorry to keep it moving, only had jump leads and coathanger but one of the batteries I was using was the lorry batteries on the vehicle I was welding and it blew the alternator. But at least we got off the road and it was a diesel lorry so it only needed power for the lights.
Great video.
That is why always disconnect the battery (remove the ground cable at least) before doing stunts like this :)
Many farmers would use this trick out in the field when they experienced a structural breakdown on their equipment. And the idea of using batteries has been around since the 1930's. Like all "lost arts", it gets "discovered" again with new ideas and concepts applied. Enjoyed the video....keep up the good work! One thing....what type of rod were you using?
scada4321 thanks, an old farmer taught me how to do this over 30 years ago! I typically carry 6011 Rod in my vehicle
4x4 guys have always done this. as in: since there were jeeps and trucks to break. it's not a lost... anything. I first saw it in the southern Utah desert in the 1970's. rear differential broken? pull two batteries and break out some rods to spider weld the diff
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Absolutely mate, Im a farmer myself, and Iv used this many times. Just the other month I did it to repair a a crack in the arm of my front end loader, just to get me through the day and back to the shed
An old trick. When I grew up we were still part of the Great Electrification, which took many years.
Rural mountain farms used this regularly. You could even hook a windmill to the batteries between uses, by hanging a car generator and regulator on the windmill, and keep the welding batteries charged.
I watched one blow up about 30 years ago when my father hooked up the jumper cables backwards; not pretty, but fortunately the injuries were very minor. I was only about 8 years old, but the memory stuck with me...
Matt Verley how long do the battery last . ( how long can you weld with them ?)
The easiest way to weld if you need it in a pinch. Wish I knew this years ago but better late than never. Definitely useful info that will be used
This was tought in the army for field modifications in the 50s and 60s.
What series rod are you using?
For easy welding & welding rusty sort of dirty steel you can use 6013 rod. That's what's used for repairs to farm equipment. For stronger welds a 70 series rod is better. I would take 7014 rod on the trail since even wet it'll weld pretty well. A lot of welders prefer 7018 fast freeze rod but you'd have to take a new unopened 5 pound package with you or keep it in a rod oven. Less practical. 7018 doesn't work well with any moisture in it.
We use 6011 on our job sites and 6013 on the farm. Both would work equally well.
70 series could work but if suggest to avoid it with this method if possible. We use 7018 for structural welds on job sites and it requires alot more current to run properly.
I did this with my grandfather when a dolly we were using to transport metal into the woods broke, we were building a deer stand. I was amazed at how well it worked.
you honor your Grandfather for commenting
Very interesting. I didn't know that you can weld using batteries. I definitely need to tried this out. This is excellent just in case of engine emergency. I stay away from water when doing this.
The best welding video yet
Great video! I've always heard that you could weld with batteries, but that's one of those old farm tricks going by the wayside. Hardly anybody knows how because a good Lincoln arc welder is not really that expensive. We are losing a lot of our smarts like this. But like you said, it's for trail repairs. I have heard many times that a lot of the trail clubs have a guy or two with some sort or welding rig on board - must be a California thing. If I did that sort of trail work, I would have one as well. I guess if you are going to weld on the trail, it helps to know how to do it in the shop as well - it's a good skill to have, not too difficult to learn and get pretty good at, and obviously lacking in many of those that posted below. These are the kind of skills that are going to help us get back on our feet when the big one (whatever that may be) comes to pass - nothing super high tech, just people knowing how to work with their hands and what they have around. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for the comment! Like you said, its a good skill for the handyman to have under his belt. You might never have to use it, but if the need ever arises there won't be any substitute!
*****
That was awesome! Good job!
this Is how you spell awesome
Cole Huettl Why thank you Cole! It is now corrected.
It ws totlly awsome. Unlike grammr Nazs.
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What a mind blowing video. Thank you very much.
always wondered ‘bout this...great vid...direct, informative, easy to follow.
Thanks! 👍👍👍👍👊👊👊👊👊