Besides the essential welding gear like welding machines, sticks, or gas cylinders, welders use a variety of accessories to get that perfect weld. This includes a range of different welding clamps and magnets that welders use to clamp or stick together the individual metal pieces being welded. It also means that these tools will allow for hands-free welding, for more safety, precision and less reliance on that extra pair of helping hands.
Welding Clamps
Depending on the size, weight, materials and required pressure to hold everything together, there are different welding clamps. The most popular are C or G clamps, which are adjustable and can be used to clamp objects of any size. They apply the right amount of pressure to keep everything tight. Locking and spring clamps are ideal for smaller objects, two-axis clamps are used for welding at specified angles, and quick action clamps offer the fastest setting and release. Magnetic welding square clamps combine the features of clamps and stand-alone magnets.
Welding Magnets
Magnets and magnetic square clamps are used along with ferrous metals, including different types of steel, and cast and wrought iron. Welding individual pieces like steel plates or pipes together are made easier with welding magnets that help lift, affix and align the workpiece to the required angles and with the appropriate magnetic force. Larger and heavier items will understandably need magnets or clamps with more clamping force. Different types of welding magnets are sold and are used in different types of welds.
Types of Welding Magnets
Magnets are used when speed is necessary. They are easier to work with than clamps, though the obvious downside is that they stick only to steel or iron. There are several kinds:
Adjustable Angle Magnets
As the name implies the angle at which the materials are set before welding can be adjusted, typically in the range of 30 and 270 degrees. Adjustable magnets can be used for both inner on outer welds in sheet metal, rounded piping, flat angled and square workpiece. Integrated holes are used to link two magnets together, good for workpiece fixturing. Adjustable magnets are often sold in pairs, and in various sizes with larger magnets having better clamping force, though at a higher price.
Fixed Angle Square Magnets
If right angles are what you’re after, then look for 90 degree fixed magnets. Like adjustable magnets, they can be used both on the inside or outside of the workpiece, to attach, align and weld where you want. There are also 30 and 60-degree magnets for tighter welds. These are used in heavy-duty windows or garage doors.
Arrow Magnets
Arrow magnets are generally smaller welding magnets used in welding marking, assembly and in pipe installations. They can attach ferrous metals in 45, 90 and 135 degrees.
Switchable Magnets
Some welding magnets, particularly square magnetic clamps can be switched on and off, to provide better precision. In aligning the workpieces, the magnet is OFF to achieve the desired angle and fit. Turning on the magnet secures the pieces together, and you’re ready to begin welding. You can also turn off and on halfway through the job for adjustments that need to be made.
Other magnets used in welding but also for general purposes where welds are a part include sheet metal magnets and snake magnets. They’re used for moving and setting larger pieces of steel sheeting and are disconnected before the actual weld is completed. Snake magnets are used for the same purpose but include a metallic cable set between two flat magnets. Panel beaters and general automotive workshops are where these are commonly used.
Magnet Square Clamps
Generally larger than separate magnets, welding magnet square clamps are used in large scale heavy-duty welding projects. This includes fabrication, tack welding, brazing, soldering and pipe installation. Square magnet clamps consist of two individual magnets connected by a recessed pivot. Workpieces can be connected easily and quickly at either 45 or 90-degree angles. Markings set at 15-degree increments, allow for precision in setting up workpieces. Smaller square clamps are used in holding and aligning and are rated at 2.5kg of magnetic force. By contrast, the largest magnetic square clamps will hold ferrous metals with a combined weight of over 100 kilos.
Using Welding Magnets
Welding magnets in all shapes and sizes are relatively easy to use and are preferred over clamps in getting the required angles and forces to align and keep together the workpieces. Depending on what you’re welding, consider the weight on the combined weight of the workpiece and the angle at which you want to weld. Magnets that are too strong will provide for a good hold but may attract other metallic pieces or particles, frequently interrupting work. Those with too little magnetic force will mean more misalignment or mismatched angles. Getting a set of different magnets and magnetic clamps will mean there’s more versatility in a different range of jobs that you come by. This will include smaller holding magnets and larger clamps. Consider getting magnets with switches since they speed up operation especially in welding larger pieces.
Welding magnets and magnet square clamps are sold in pairs or packaged sets in larger hardware store and stores selling all types of welding gear.
