Guidance on stud welders please (for bodywork) : Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Dec. 2, 2010 8:05 p.m. SVTF Reader

I have a rear quarter panel on a hatcback I need to repair that has an inner panel so I can't bang it out. I'm looking at stud welder/slide hammer kits - Harbor Freight has one for $100 but the reviews say the hammer is crap (add $100 for a better one from Eastwood). Eastwood has 3 sets to chose from with good reviews and I'm sure they are better quality but which one is good enough for my use? This is prolly the only time I'd use it - but of course using it once and will pay for it.

I'm seeking value - I don't want to waste my $$$$. I'd rather spend $400 for good stuff I can use twice than $200 for junk that doesn't work once. But I sure don't need to shell out $$$$ just because the label says super-duper.

If there's anyone that could lead me in the right direction with real data, it would be on this forum. I am leaning towards Eastwood's best set.......

Any history or experience on any of these units or suggestions for a deal on a good one?
Dec. 2, 2010 8:21 p.m. Streetwiseguy HalfDork

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/hs4500.html

I bought this kit. Its basically a decent name brand gun with one slide hammer and a few studs. Takes a bit of a touch to work it right, get the studs in the right spot, pull the right amount.....
Dec. 2, 2010 10:00 p.m. SkinnyG Reader

I once dressed up as a stud welder. My wife loved it, but I kept getting spatter burns where I didn't want them.
Dec. 2, 2010 10:49 p.m. Spinout007 Dork

Tack weld a screw or nail to the panel, cheap slide hammer to bang it out, dremmel or whiz wheel it off when you're done.
Dec. 3, 2010 7:33 a.m. drmike New Reader

My dad had the Eastwood one at his body shop years ago. We used the heck out of it, and it worked very well. One of the employees liked it so much he stole it.
Dec. 3, 2010 8:10 a.m. SVTF Reader

drmike wrote:

My dad had the Eastwood one at his body shop years ago. We used the heck out of it, and it worked very well. One of the employees liked it so much he stole it.

Which one? Do you remember the color?
Dec. 3, 2010 9:14 a.m. kpm Reader
SVTF wrote:
- Harbor Freight has one for $100 but the reviews say the hammer is crap
Didn't we determine that all HF tools eventually all become hammers ?? ;)
Dec. 3, 2010 9:17 a.m. slantvaliant Dork

kpm wrote:

Didn't we determine that all HF tools eventually all become hammers ?? ;)

Except hammers. They become projectiles.