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Arizona Rough Riders Emergency Article:
Welding on the Trail with Two Car Batteries |
This article submitted by: Jim Hopper
When a driveshaft or steering component breaks on the trail, it is often worth performing emergency welding to avoid a very difficult vehicle extraction. If mobile welding equipment is not available, it is still possible to put a welder together on the trail. Most of the components are usually readily available on a club run. Note, however, that welding is not learned on the trail. This article assumes prior welding experience. Welding classes are often available at community colleges and vocational schools.
Things you will need:
2 car batteries, fully charged
2 sets of jumper cables (16ft, 6 guage recommended)
common electric welding rod (e.g. #6011, 1/8inch diameter)
welding goggles (must be #9 or darker)
heavy duty gloves
How To:
Disconnect batteries from vehicles so as to not cause electrical surges to vehicles. Using one set of jumper cables, hook the batteries in series, i.e. positive terminal on one battery is connected to the negative terminal on the second battery (see illustration). With the second set of jumper cables, hook one end of a cable to the object to be welded, and the other end of the same cable to the positive post of battery #1. Hook one end of the second cable to the negative terminal of battery #2. Place a welding rod in the other end of the cable, and you are ready to weld.
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