What Tools Does Luke Like?
Getting into welding but not sure what tools to get? Here’s my recommended list of tools that I used welding and fabricating professionally over the years. Having the right tools makes the project go smoothly!
Irwin Vice Grip Locking C-Clamp
Vice Grip does it right when it comes to clamps! I can always rely on them to hold my projects down and not pop off. Good C-clamps are a must for any fabrication project!
Empire 24” Level
Empire also makes this really handy 24” level! Perfect for checking longer surfaces with great accuracy. The aluminum I-beam style gives it long lasting durability as well! Great level!
WORKPRO 7 in. Carpenter Square and 12 in. Combination Square Combo
Great buy for a combo set of squares! These are great for making quick marks on anything and checking if your projects are square. Makes quick work of fabricating any project!
Welding Chipping Hammer with Wire Brush
If you do any Stick or Flux-Core welding, these are a must! Great for removing slag and cleaning up welds!
Flange Wizard Threaded Pipe Flange Aligners, 1/2" - 1-7/16"
If you are fitting any flanges or need to level anything with holes, these 2-hole leveling pins are the move! I love these things and they work great!
Irwin Vice Grip Locking C-Clamp - With Swivel Pads
Vice Grip coming in clutch again with their swivel pad finger clamp! For different situations is nice to have the wider clamping area. Highly recommend!
Empire 12” Level
Hands down my favorite level brand! I have tried all kinds of levels and I keep coming back to this one. I always go with the solid aluminum style like this one because of the long lasting durability and accuracy. Highly recommend!
Stanley 8 Inch X 12 Inch Steel Square
Great 12” square for any fabricating needs! Stanley makes a great one that I love and use all the time!
Flat Soapstone
For steel fabricating, soapstone makes marking out anything a breeze! I personally like the flat soapstone for longevity of precise marking. Soapstone makes bright and clear marks on steel!
Flange Wizard Magnetic Centering Head
Absolutely clutch tool right here! Makes you work 100x easier when marking anything on pipe or round surfaces. Highly recommend!
12” Bessey Bar Clamp
Bessey clamps are the best! Bar clamps are a necessity in fabricating, and I use them all the time! This is their 12” clamp which is nice for quick strong clamping on smaller projects. Great clamp!
24” Bessey Bar Clamp
This is Bessey’s awesome 24” bar clamp! Great for clamping bigger projects. Pair this with their 12” clamps and you be set. They are high quality and last forever!
Johnson Level & Tool CS5 Aluminum Framing Square, 16" x 24"
For your bigger projects it’s nice to have a bigger square! I like my 2ft squares made out of aluminum for fitting up projects and this Johnson 2ft square is perfect!
Metabo 6-inch Angle Grinder
Hands down favorite grinder! I used Metabo for years abusing it and it just doesn’t die! Great power and longevity and highly recommend!
Jackson Safety Pipe Measuring Tool - Wrap-A-Round
Love this pipe wrap for making square cuts on pipe! Makes quick work for marking out your cut line and keeps it straight and square!