Set yourself up a bush welding kit using the list below, and you’ll never have to buy a beer again once your mates need some trackside repairs.

Set of heavy duty jumper leads with sturdy battery clamps
Connecting cable to link two batteries in series
Set of welding rods, general purpose, wrapped and kept clean and dry
Welding goggles or mask
Chipping hammer or similar
Fire extinguisher
Suitable attire and gloves
A variety of metal pieces.

Here’s our podcast on Bush Welding with more information on achieving a successful repair in the Outback when travelling.

It might sound like we’re combining backyard mechanics with lava hot spanners, but it’s important to consider these few tips before you start.

Firstly, it is significantly more dangerous than standard workshop welding, so extra precautions are required. When using batteries near lots of sparks and extreme heat means safe practices must be employed at all times. Plus you don’t want to light up the bush either.

Secondly, it is usually in more difficult circumstances and materials may have to be scavenged to effect a repair, so a few practice sessions in the garage before that big adventure might give you a better chance of a successful outcome.

Lastly, it should only ever be considered an emergency repair, so don’t forget to review and undertake a complete repair process at the first opportunity.

So aside from the three tips, the rest is just regular welding with a stick just like arc welding at home or work. If you are not familiar with welding, then take heed of tip #2 and practice, practice, practice.

Cheers, Chris Blakemore

One of our listeners has commented below “U should have shown a photo of how both batteries are used as the power supply in the way they are connected to wat u are wielding so the negative goes to the plate steel and the positive goes to the welding rod shown as 1photo” Sorry, no picture but thanks for advising us and supplying this info.