Whether you’re fixing up a frame, building a trailer, or just burning metal in the garage, welding is one of the most useful hands-on skills someone can have. It’s part science, part muscle memory—and once you’ve got it down, there’s not much you can’t build, fix, or reinforce with a welder and some time.

The Lingo

Before we get into different types of welding, let's get familiar with the basic jargon:

Weld
The point where two pieces of metal are melted and fused together to form a solid joint. A strong weld holds parts together permanently.

Hood
A protective helmet worn during welding to shield your face, eyes, and neck from sparks, heat, and harmful light.

Electrode
The part that carries electricity and creates the heat needed for welding. Depending on the type of welding, it may be a wire, a metal rod, or a non-melting tip.

Arc
An electric current that jumps between the electrode and the metal, creating intense heat - hot enough to melt steel. This is what makes welding possible.

Shielding
A way to protect the molten weld from air, which can weaken the weld. Shielding is done with a special gas or with material built into the welding rod or wire.

Wire Feed
A system that automatically pushes wire through the welding gun as you work. The wire acts as both the heat conductor and the metal being added to the weld.

Filler
Extra metal used to help join two pieces together. It melts and becomes part of the weld. In some welding types, it’s a separate rod; in others, it’s fed automatically.

Slag
A protective crust that forms on top of a weld when certain materials are used. It helps shield the weld while it cools but needs to be chipped or brushed off afterward.

Flux-Core Welding
A method similar to wire-feed welding, but the wire is filled with a material (called flux) that creates its own shielding gas. It works well outside or on dirty metal and leaves slag on the weld.

Next, let’s look at the three main arc welding methods you'll see: MIG, TIG, and Stick.

MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas)

MIG welding uses a wire electrode and shielding gas. It’s one of the easiest types of welding to learn and is great for quick repairs and projects where the metal is clean and prepped.

With a MIG welder, the wire feeds automatically, making it fast and efficient. That’s why so many DIY fabricators and garage builders stick with MIG—it works well in controlled conditions and lays down a clean bead with little spatter. But it struggles with rust, dirt, and wind, so it’s not your best bet out in the elements.

TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas)

TIG welding uses a tungsten electrode and a separate filler rod, along with shielding gas. It’s the cleanest and most precise welding process—but also the slowest and hardest to master.

TIG is ideal for thin metals, stainless steel, and aluminum. You’ll find it in race shops, fab shops, and anywhere weld appearance matters as much as strength. For the everyday guy, TIG has its place—just probably not on your rusted farm truck or frame repair job.

Stick Welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)

Stick welding is the rugged, go-anywhere option. It uses a coated electrode that produces its own shielding gas as it burns, which means you don’t need tanks or fancy wire feeds.

It’ll weld through rust, paint, and grime—and it doesn’t care about wind or weather. The trade-off is a rougher finish and more slag to clean up, but Stick is simple, tough, and perfect for welding in real-world conditions where things aren’t picture perfect.

Which Welding Method Is Right for Frame Repair?

Stick and MIG are the top choices for frame repairs. MIG is fast, clean, and great for shop work on bare steel. Stick is better suited for outdoor conditions, rusty metal, and heavy-duty patches. TIG is precise and professional, but it’s not practical for most frame repairs.

Rust Buster frame kits are designed with MIG and Stick welders in mind, so whether you’re welding it yourself or taking it to a shop, you’ve got options.

And if you don’t weld? No problem—we’ve partnered with trusted installers across the country to handle it for you.

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