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Tools & Parts for Fixing Broken Metal
The gear that matters for the repairs in our guides: welding, grinding, clamping, and the parts you can just bolt on instead of paying for labor.
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Welders for home repair
For steel repairs on trailers, gates, mower decks and railings. Rick owns a Lincoln welder; for most home repairs, a 120V flux-core or MIG machine is where people start.
- 120V flux-core welderNo gas bottle needed, and it works outdoors in a breeze. Good for mild-steel repairs.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Dual-voltage MIG welderCleaner welds on sheet and thicker steel; runs on household or 240V power.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Lincoln Electric weldersThe brand Rick owns. Compare models by input power and the thickness you weld.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Stick welderHandles rusty or dirty steel and works with nickel rod for cast iron repairs.🛒 See options on Amazon
Auto-darkening helmets
A decent auto-darkening helmet is the first thing to buy. You can't fix what you can't see.
- Auto-darkening welding helmetLook for adjustable shade (about 9–13) and sensitivity controls.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Helmet lens cover platesCheap clear covers protect the expensive lens from spatter.🛒 See options on Amazon
Angle grinders & flap discs
Most of a good repair is prep: grinding out the crack and cleaning to bare metal.
- 4-1/2" angle grinderThe everyday tool for grinding out cracks and cleaning welds.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Flap discs (60/80 grit)Smooth, fast grinding that blends welds without gouging.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Wire cup brushStrips rust and paint so you can see how far a crack really goes.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Cut-off wheelsFor cutting out rusted sections and trimming patch plates.🛒 See options on Amazon
Clamps & vises
Holding parts square while you weld matters as much as the weld.
- Locking C-clampsHold parts tight for tacking. You can't have too many.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Magnetic welding squaresHold tube and flat bar at 45° and 90° for gates and frames.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Heavy-duty bar clampsFor long parts like gate frames and trailer tongues.🛒 See options on Amazon
When it can't be welded: J-B Weld & epoxy
For non-structural parts only: pot-metal trim, small leaks, cracked castings that carry no load.
⚠️ Never use epoxy or putty on load-bearing parts like trailer hitches, frames, railings or ladders. Those need a proper weld or a new part.
- J-B Weld OriginalTwo-part steel-reinforced epoxy for non-structural metal repairs.🛒 See options on Amazon
- J-B Weld ExtremeHeatA high-heat paste for small exhaust-area patches. Temporary, not a weld.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Steel epoxy puttyPlugs small holes and cracks in non-load-bearing parts.🛒 See options on Amazon
Trailer parts
Often cheaper to bolt on a new part than to pay for labor on a worn one. See the hitch and frame guides.
- Trailer couplersMatch the ball size and weight rating to your trailer.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Safety chainsRated chain and hooks. Replace stretched or rusted ones.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Swivel trailer jackBolt-on or weld-on replacements for a bent or seized jack.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Leaf spring hanger kitsCracks often start at the hangers; new ones weld on.🛒 See options on Amazon
Safety gear
Cheap compared with an ER visit. Wear it every time.
- Leather welding glovesProtect against heat, spatter and sharp edges.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Flame-resistant welding jacketProtects your arms and chest from sparks and spatter.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Z87 safety glassesWear them under the helmet and every time you grind.🛒 See options on Amazon
- ABC fire extinguisherKeep one within reach any time you weld or grind.🛒 See options on Amazon
- Welding fume respiratorFor galvanized, painted or dirty metal, and indoor work.🛒 See options on Amazon
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