Welding is a dangerous occupation. For the safety of those doing the welding and those around them, it’s essential to make sure that their welding helmet lens is always clear and in good shape. Welders often find themselves changing lenses as they work with different types of metals or job sites. This article will discuss how to change welding helmet lens optimal visibility and clarity.

Why Do You Need To Change Welding Helmet Lens?

There are several reasons why welding helmet lenses need to be changed:

1. The lens on a welding helmet gets scratched over time, which makes it difficult to see through.
2. Welding helmets come with a protective coating that must be removed before the lens can be changed. This is done by using special chemicals or solutions that will remove this film safely and effectively. As an example, some people use acetone, but others recommend using a citrus-based solvent like Goof Off.
3. It’s also possible to damage the lens on your welding helmet if it gets dropped or banged around too much. If you notice any severe dents in the plastic, this may prevent you from changing lenses without damaging them further. In some cases, replacing the entire helmet might be the best option.
4. The lens of your welding helmet can lose its color, turning from red to blue or orange over time. This is due to oxidation and ultraviolet light exposure that gradually wears down the reflective coating on the lenses. This may not be a big deal for some people, but others find it distracting when they’re working.
5. The lens of your welding helmet may also turn yellow as you get older, which makes it difficult to see the color contrasts on the workpiece and other objects around you. You can try to clean this film, but it’s often easier just to replace the entire lens instead.

The Best Way On How To Change Welding Helmet Lens

Here are steps to change your welding helmet lens properly:

Step 1: Remove The Lens Cover

The first thing you need to do is remove the existing lens cover from your welding helmet. You can usually just pull it off, but some people find that they have to use a screwdriver or other tool in order to pry this free.

Step Two: Clean The Welding Helmet Lens

Gently clean both sides of the new lens with a mild solvent and a clean cloth. It’s not necessary to scrub too hard. Just make sure that you’re careful with the lenses so they don’t get damaged or scratched even more than they already are.

Step Three: Attach The New Welding Helmet Lens

Now apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly inside both sides of your welding helmet and attach the new lens by pressing the lens into the welding helmet. Make sure to press down firmly and evenly, especially around the edges of the lens. Finally, replace your existing cover with this new one to protect it from damage during storage or transportation (if you remove it).

Taking Care Of Your Welding Helmet

If your want your welding helmet to last as long as possible, it’s important to take care of it. Here are some tips you can try:

Clean It Regularly

Cleaning your helmet regularly will help keep it in good shape. Over time, welding can leave a fine layer of metal debris on the lens that will interfere with your vision and create glare or reflections. 

You may also notice some growths from minerals in water-soluble fluxes used for welding wire coating. In order to prevent any problems, use a mild detergent solution and a soft cloth to wipe both sides of the lens.

Don’t Put It In Direct Sunlight

Keep your welding helmet in a cool, dry place, and don’t put it directly against direct sunlight or other sources of heat. If you store it near any type of heating vent, make sure to keep at least one inch between the lens and this source of intense heat as well. You can also try using some desiccant packs during storage so that the lens doesn’t get wet from humidity.

Keep The Batteries Clean

If you use rechargeable batteries in your welding helmet, keep them clean and dry at all times. Regularly check the contacts of each battery to make sure that they are free from any dirt or debris, which could prevent a connection with the charger.

If these get dirty, just use some rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to remove this dirt before charging the batteries again. Some welding helmets need their battery to be changed on a regular basis.

Prevent Damage During Travel And Storage

If you need to take your welding helmet with you during travel or if it’s going to be stored for a long period of time, make sure that this is done properly. 

Wipe both sides of the inside and outside lenses free of any dirt and debris and make sure that you don’t fold or crease the lens as this will damage it. If possible, store your welding helmet in a hard case with padding to prevent any dents or cracks from forming on your lenses.

If You Need To Replace Your Welding Helmet Lens

It’s important to replace your welding helmet if there is excessive wear on the lens or if it has been damaged in any way. If you have a helmet with two lenses, you should replace both of them at once, even if only one is cracked, so that they can be used together as a set for maximum protection and visibility.

If your lens turns yellow over time, this often means that it’s turned into an amber color. This is especially true if you’re working on silver-based metals such as nickel and chromium, which may turn the lens more yellow than other types of welding work.

If You Need Help With Lens Replacement

Some helmets will come with detailed instructions for replacing your lenses, and others won’t, so it’s important to read through this information carefully. If you still have questions, it’s best to consult with either the manufacturer or a professional welder before attempting this process independently.

If You’re Not Comfortable With Lens Replacement

There are other options for replacing your welding helmet lenses as well. Some manufacturers offer lens replacement services, and others may refer customers to local welding supply outlets for this type of work.

If you don’t want to risk trying lens replacement on your own, then it’s best to inquire about these options before purchasing a new welding helmet.

Welding helmets are popular for their ability to protect the eyes from intense light and infrared rays, which is why they’re so common among welders around the world.

However, if your lens becomes scratched or damaged somehow, it may be difficult to see anything clearly through this helmet at all. Luckily you can change the lens on your welding helmet so you can keep working without any issues.