Welding helmet life

[roadrunner255]

Hello All,

I purchased a HF 91214 auto darkening welding helmet about 6 years ago, not used much.

Helmet has Solar powered cells with battery assistance (not rechargeable).

Manual says battery lifetime is more than 6 years.

I need to do some MIG welding, should I get another helmet or keep using it?

Any suggestions on a new helmet if that is the route to go?

Thanks

 

[brownbagg]

yes that helmets a joke, I bought the viking auto, but most time i grab the fibermesh pipeliner with gold lense ($40). at last look I had nine helmets

 

[marineman]

If you haven't used it in 6 years its probably not worth spending money on a new one. Test it out see if it still works, if it does just use it

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[turbowoodworker]

YouTube has instructions on replacing the “non rechargeable” batteries with AA battery packs. I did this to an HF hood and a Lincoln Viking hood that quit working. Now all I have to do is keep a supply of AAs around.

 

[Jazz1]

You can buy replacement solar lens on eBay for $5. Same quality as any big box store welding shield
I would keep using the shield if it works, you can test shield with the tv remote

 

[Jazz1]

You can buy replacement solar lens on eBay for $5. Same quality as any big box store welding shield
I would keep using the shield if it works, you can test shield with the tv remote

Myself, I just don’t trust the cheap shields and I prefer the clarity of Spedglas shield over any shield I’ve ever used

 

[firebirdparts]

I actually liked the lens on the first HF helmet I had. I thought of the add-on battery trick myself, and tried it, but I never got it to work. I have a miller now.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

I bought a Hobart Helmit because it has replaceable batteries. My old lincoln did not.

 

[bczygan]

I use the HF Vulcan.

If I were you, I would just use it.

Bill

 

[Jazz1]

My first solar shield lasted 10 years. My attempt to add a battery when the solar failed so got favourite relative to send me new solar lens from the tool crib

 

[laser3kw]

if it's not functioning, throw a new set of batteries in it.
I would think the solar panel does not wear out if it is not in constant use. Batteries will lose their charge just sitting around.

HF 91214 battery replacement link

 

[j.schaef]

I have a bunch of helmets as well.

My go to is my 3m 9100FX adflo.

Next in line is my Miller Digital Elite. My top two for sure.

I agree with the guy who said if you haven't used it in 6 years, probably don't buy another one. Hopefully it still works.

 

[Falcon67]

I bought a nice Hobart auto dark on sale at Northern several years back - $99. It has replaceable AA cells and it works good. Adjustable dark level, etc. It will flash the screen when you enable the filter so you can visually see if the batteries are good to go. I had one of solar units - works until it doesn't and your eyes will suffer when it doesn't. The Hobart also accepts cheater lenses which really help.

 

[A**holes Garage]

I have a few Jackson Halo X helmets.
Had them for several years, maybe replaced batteries a couple times a piece.
If I remember, I place them in the sun between breaks, keeps them charged up.

 

[welder4956]

Hello All,

I purchased a HF 91214 auto darkening welding helmet about 6 years ago, not used much.

Helmet has Solar powered cells with battery assistance (not rechargeable).

Manual says battery lifetime is more than 6 years.

I need to do some MIG welding, should I get another helmet or keep using it?

Any suggestions on a new helmet if that is the route to go?

Thanks

If it still works well, then you should keep using it unless you want to upgrade to a lens that gives a much cleaner view. I really like the viewing quality of the Lincoln Viking 4C lens, but they are pricey.

https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Equipment/welding-gear/Pages/product.aspx?product=K3034-3(LincolnElectric)

 

[EnduroRdr]

If you haven't used it in 6 years its probably not worth spending money on a new one. Test it out see if it still works, if it does just use it

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using The Garage Journal mobile app

Agreed:

If it works use it. Don’t waste your $ on a new helmet that you’ll throw in the corner & not use for another 6 years!

Spend it on something you really need. Like stronger cheaters - lol!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cleanspg]

For < $7 you can get a replacement lens for that helmet with new batteries.

For < $15 you can get one with replaceable batteries. (<10$ if ordering from China)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DIN9-DIN13...433211?hash=item2609d0c17b:g:S-0AAOSwnhlb69mz

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Types-Au...hash=item4b3f82bdb8:m:mZPhMLcng4-IawKWVHL8HwQ

When the batteries go, you will start to get flashed if not working in bright daylight until the arc produces enough light to power the lens.

Just order one or upgrade your helmet.

Note that the non replaceable battery lenses are the same in most cheap (<$50) auto darkening helmets regardless of brand. The replaceable battery lenses are the same as what you get in almost any slightly upgraded (<$100) helmet. They both perform about the same, but one is serviceable.

If you want something better it will cost more (>$150). If you are happy with the fit and function of the harborfreight helmet for the amount you use it, replace the lens and get back to welding.

 

[K13]

If it isn't working and you are not planning on using it any more than you have been I wouldn't even bother fixing it. Buy a fixed shade helmet for the once every six years. Nothing to go bad on it.

 

[dr_clyde]

If it isn't working and you are not planning on using it any more than you have been I wouldn't even bother fixing it. Buy a fixed shade helmet for the once every six years. Nothing to go bad on it.

This.

Throw the HF in the garbage, and get yourself a Jackson Shadow with a #10 gold lens. Less than $50 and you will have a good helmet for decades if you don't run it over with a car or something.

 

[roadrunner255]

Thanks all, helmet seems to be working, I will know better over the weekend when I test it with the welder.

Cheers!
Update helmet works.