Welding ground...don't do this!

harrisonm said

At least those gloves were on the right feet. Let me tell you about all the times I have welded with tennis shoes on, and a hot spark, or chunk of spatter, hit the fabric area in front of the laces. Do you know what stops those hot sparks? Your skin!. They burn right through the tennis shoe and sock, and then burn a nice spot on the top of your foot. But I learned my lesson, right? Sadly, no. It happened at least 3 or 4 times before I wised up and started wearing boots. While I was at it, I invested in some good Miller welding gloves and a welding jacket.

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I had to read all the inputs before replying. Not only do you ware boots while welding, but put your pants over them, not in them. A little slag or spatter falling into your boots will teach you a new dance, while your trying to remove them. I believe the ground clamp did not break the torsion bar, but not being a solid ground caused a ark, which damaged the bar and caused it to break. A good reason not to use plyers or vice grips to remove them, so not to damage them and cause the same issue. I have rapped them with a rag first and gently remove them if they are a little tight.