How To Weld Without A Welder (explained)
Welding means joining two metallic parts together. This process is done by applying extreme heat at the joining point. But you may be wondering about how to weld without a welder?
Is it always necessary to hire a welder when you need to weld? Of course not. Rather there are several ways to join two metallic parts on your own. In fact, most of the ways are easier and safe than welding.
In addition, the strength of the joint can be less than doing real welding. But when you just need to do the work, you can try the different processes of joining parts like using adhesive, Brazing, Soldering, using rivets, bolts or screws, etc.
Here you’ll find every detail of all these processes. So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
How to weld without a welder?
You must know that welding is nothing but a process of joining several parts together. So, this can be done by any means that works. Welding is of course not the only option. So, I’ll explain how to bond metal without welding.
There are multiple ways of joining parts. You can use glue or do some heat treatment on the metals. Or you can avoid any types of heating or chemical use and just go for mechanical procedures like clamping by bolt, screw, or rivet.
Here I’m going to share all of the best ways to do this job all by yourself. No matter where you are, all you need to do is to follow my instructions and gather some required apparatus. And you will be ready to go.
So, let’s see the ways to bond metal without welding.
Glue:
Using special glue to join metal parts may be the easiest way. There are multiple options for glues available in the market. All you need to do is to buy one and make it ready to use. Now we’ll focus on how to glue metal without welding.
Most of the time, instructions are given on the body of the glue for mixing it. But you should follow some common manners while performing this job. And I’m going to share those steps here.
What you will need?
Before starting, gather these things first,
- Glue
- Emery paper
- Cleaner
- Clean cloth
- Workshop or spacious area.
Steps:
After collecting all these things, now it’s time to start. Make sure you have enough space for handling the meatal. Otherwise, the whole process can be more complicated.
When you’re ready, follow these steps.
- Make sure the point or areas you want to join are in perfect condition. If any modification is needed to set the two parts nicely, you should do it first.
- Then, you need to clean the area properly. If there is any corrosion or dust on the surface, use emery paper to rub those out. Feel free to use any cleaner that won’t affect the metal or the glue. Wait until it completely dries.
- Prepare the glue by following the given instructions. If you have several separate items to mix up, make sure you’re maintaining the ratio properly.
- Then apply the glue on the surface gently and set the parts together. Make sure that enough pressure is provided on the joining point for a long time. This will increase the strength.
Thus you can join or weld several parts by using adhesive.
Read More: 10 Ways To Reduce Your Welding Cost
Brazing:
Brazing is another popular method of joining metals. This process includes heating a metal at about 800 degrees celsius and using it as a filler material. This material melts at high temperatures and flows through joining metal.
When cools down, it creates a strong bond between the joining metals. If you were wondering about how to weld aluminum without welding, then brazing can be the process.
But to perform it, some steps are required to follow. So, let’s explore them in detail.
What you will need?
To perform brazing, you have to collect the following instruments.
- Brazing kit
- Workpiece
- Brazing rod
- Oxy acetylene cylinder
- Clamp
- Filler material (Silver and copper for steel)
Steps:
Next, you have to follow these steps.
- Adjusting the workpiece is the first thing to be done. By chamfering the edge the process can be more efficient. Cleaning is also necessary before going to the next step.
- The next step is to use a clamp and attach the workpiece rigidly to a base. Make sure the joining points are in a perfect position.
- Then heat the workpiece to a certain temperature depending on the workpiece. Then let the metal cool down for a while.
- Now apply the brazing material at the joining point and let it cool down. After cooling it will be fixed.
- Clean up the area and see whether the process is done perfectly.
This is one of the easiest methods of welding. The process is similar to Arc welding but this one is cost-effective and easy. So, you can try this out wherever you need to do it.
Soldering:
The next procedure is soldering. Though it is mainly used for electrical circuits, it can be used for joining metal too.
The metal that melts and works as the binder for the soldering process is basically 99% tin. It covers the joining areas and attaches them together.
What you will need?
For soldering two metallic parts, first, collect the following things.
- Soldering iron
- Filler metal (Silver or Tin)
- Wire cutter
- Soldering stand
- Protective equipment
- Clean sponge or cloth
Steps:
After collecting all these, follow these instructions to perform the job.
- First, connect the soldering iron to a power source and heat it up to 600 to 700 degrees F.
- Keep close and perfect contact between the joining parts and clamp them firmly.
- When the iron is heated enough, clean the tip of the iron with a clean sponge or cloth. Be careful while doing it as the tip will be so hot.
- Then if you are right-handed, hold the iron in your right hand. In your left hand, hold the solder. For left-handed people, just do the opposite.
- Then make a contact between the solder and the iron. And apply the melted filler metal to the joining point.
- Remove the solder first and then the iron when done. Then give it time to cool down.
- The amount of soldering depends on the size of the joining point and the types of metal.
Thus you can join parts without looking for a welder.
Riveting:
This is the most conventional and oldest way to join two or more parts. All you need to do is to clamp the parts and make a permanent joint between them.
What you will need?
Nothing more is needed for riveting. Make sure just these things are in your toolbox before starting.
- Rivet gun
- Clamp
- Drill
- Rivets
Steps:
After gathering the mentioned material, jump into the main operation.
- First, clamp the metal you want to join in the proper place.
- Then make holes where required by drilling on the surfaces.
- Put rivets in the holes and use a rivet gun to keep them straight.
- Clean the area after completing.
You can also use screws, nuts, bolts, and other clamping methods to weld metals without a welder. All of these are the answers to the popular question, “How to stick metal to metal without welding?”
Frequently Asked Questions
By riveting or brazing you can bond sheet metal.
You can use Brazing, glue, soldering, riveting, screws or so many other options instead of welding.
Brazing is way easier to perform compared to welding. Only with a small oxy-acetylene cylinder, you can operate.
Conclusion
So, can you bond metal without welding? The answer is, YES. There are multiple ways to do that. All you need to do is to follow some steps closely.
Welding or joining parts or metals are very common for both industries and households. Hiring a welder every time is not a proper solution. So, you must know how to weld without a welder.
By following any of the steps I’ve mentioned here in this article, you can easily weld metals. There will be no need to call a welder or arrange those large, costly, and fancy machines. All you need is some small collections and dedications.
Read More: The Miller Bobcat 225 Welder Problems: Top 5 Issues With Solution