Klein Tools has launched a new rechargeable welding helmet, model 55732.
The new Klein Phoenix helmet features an auto-darkening filter with “True-Color”, headlamp, and cooling fan.
The welding helmet has a panoramic 3-window design with 15.3″ square inch auto-darkening viewport with fixed shade side windows.
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(15.3″ is about the same area as a 3″ x 5″ index card.)
Klein says that this delivers “an exceptionally wide field of vision essential for complex welding positions.”
It looks like you get a range of control options via membrane-style buttons and an LCD display.
There are 2 batteries – a coin cell battery and rechargeable 18650-style Li-ion battery.
Regarding battery life, Klein simply says “300 cycles.”
External control buttons allow for easy toggling of the 2-speed cooling fan and LED headlamp.
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Price: $400
Klein Tools apparently now has a range of welding accoutrements. They also recently came out with welding gloves – see Klein Tools Launched New Welding Gloves.
Discussion
A few months ago I asked Klein Tools if they were developing all of these new category tools and products in-house, or if they were working with design and manufacturing partners, and they couldn’t immediately answer the question.
Is it any more out of place for Klein to launch welding gear than for Ridgid to have a range of welders at Home Depot?
Jared
I’ve never considered a $400 welding helmet, so I don’t know how this competes in that range. I think it’s pretty neat to have a built-in fan and light though. My auto-darkening helmet isn’t anywhere near so fancy, but I could see that being very nice when you’re sweating underneath a vehicle with poor lighting.
For $400, I hope that light is BRIGHT.
MM
Auto-darkening helmets used to be extremely expensive. I remember when I was first learning MIG the “Speedglass” helmets were brand new and cost a few hundred dollars, which I thought was absolutely mad money at the time. But they quickly came down in price.
I could use a new one, mine is an auto-darkening model that I got free with the purchase of a welder about 16 years ago. It still works but I want something I can adjust to a lighter shade.
Peter
I only weld on the side and a $100 would get you a good basic low end name brand auto dark helmet no fan or light on sale a few years ago.
So $400 for a loaded helmet like does not seem that far fetched and let’s see how much it will be a few month down the road.
I do a lot of electric and most of my hand tools are Klein.
Affordable, good quality and made in USA made it a no brainer for me.
I am a bit worried about them though branching out and making stuff overseas.
I hope that is all part of greater plan and that they at least have a foreign and a domestic version of most of their hand tools.
Robert
Do welding helmets not have ANSI specifications? Say for eye or physical protection? I didn’t see any mention of that on the Acme site. Safety googles do, so it seems strange ANSI is not listed for the helmet.
bonnie
They do, and Klein lists them on their website for what appears to be the same helmet, but it has a different SKU than what Acme shows. Weird.
ebt
The Fan button is for the internal fan (option). Having 60 hours GTAW(tig)/GMAW(mig) and SMAW (stick) training and more under use, I have a 3M helmet.
And for PPE, it REALLY recommend their fan-pack filtration/air system for their helmet.
Fumes can cause cancer like Leukemia, and exposure to UV and high current EMF, along with Welders Anthrax. Don’t be like use “eye squints” like some Youtubers.
I had used this setup, and its not cheap if you don’t work for a company compensating for it. https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b5005016002/
Alexk
$2,100. If it was what I did for a living, it would be worth it.
ebt
I got a education-trainer discount. $1000…and that is still cheaper than co-pay and bone-marrow transplant. Still, if you are serious about welding, opt for the 3M. If you do stick/mig not often, and in very well ventilated space,.. a good helmet, gloves, cotton clothing is a must.
Dave F
I bet those will show up in a movie.
Jim Felt
Shocking how many of our grandfathers built Liberty Ships for Kaiser et al with just a flip helmet like I learned on and forgot in high school.
Are the gas components now different? Just curious. (Didn’t want to ask ChatGPT. )
Stuart
Information about short and long-term harm, injuries, and death are more widely known, understood, and shared on a national and even global stage.
Just last week there was a case of welder’s anthrax in the news, suffered by a teenager that recovered after a lengthy hospital stay.
S
I read the same news. It was a very interesting case, as it was one of the first for someone under 40, with as little welding exposure as they had. All other cases were decades of welding exposure. And this is still only the 9th case ever reported.
The link I read for anyone else interested.
https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/diagnostic-dilemma-teenager-contracts-rare-welders-anthrax-marking-the-ninth-known-case-ever-reported
Bonnie
A lot of those grandfathers died early and painfully as a result of their bad PPE.
ElectroAtletico
I see Klein’s welding line going the way of the “Husky” welding line at Home Depot, which had a very short run.
Saulac
Anyone know what’s the deal with oil pipeline welders still sporting what seem to be homemade helmets? Basically just a plat circular plate with some screen in the middle.
MM
Those are called a ‘pancake’ hood. I’ve never used one, but as I understand they are more comfortable to wear because they don’t completely enclose your head, but at the same time they are only suited to welding in certain positions.