In this video, we at Spidercarts will walk you through the essential tools and safety equipment you’ll need to build a project involving metalworking, like constructing a go-kart. First, we’ll highlight the importance of safety. Safety glasses are a must when working with metal. As we cut, weld, and grind, there will be flying debris and hot metal fragments, so eye protection is critical. We recommend having at least two or three pairs of safety glasses in your toolbox. Gloves are also crucial for handling metal. We suggest using affordable gardening gloves—they’re sturdy, don’t shed cotton, and help keep your materials clean, making the entire process go smoother. Another essential safety item is a fire extinguisher. When welding or working with hot metal, it’s easy for a stray spark to ignite nearby materials. Always have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water ready to handle any potential fires.
Next, let’s talk about the tools we’ll need for the project. For accurate cuts and assembly, you’ll need measuring devices and angle tools. Since metal can be difficult to mark, we recommend using silver Sharpie markers—they leave clean, visible lines on the metal. An angle grinder is one of the most useful tools in the shop. It can handle cutting, grinding, and even wire brushing, making it a versatile choice. When it comes to drilling, you’ll need a good drill with metal-specific bits—standard wood drill bits won’t do the job. We prefer using a drill press, but if you have a hand drill, that’ll work too, though it’s a bit trickier to maintain the right angles. Clamps are necessary to hold the metal while welding. We recommend having quick grips, vice grips, or C-clamps on hand as they’ll act like extra hands during assembly.
For cutting metal, we primarily use a chop saw, which makes precise cuts quickly. If you don’t have access to one, a hacksaw can also work, though it takes more effort. During the final assembly, you’ll need common hand tools like screwdrivers, ratchets, crescent wrenches, and hammers to attach components such as the motor, brakes, and axles. We also use a welder to join metal parts together, and while we have a $350–$400 model, more expensive options are available. After cutting metal, it’s important to smooth sharp edges, so we use a grinder to clean up those rough spots and make the metal safer to handle.
This overview covers the key tools and safety equipment you’ll be using throughout the project. Be sure to gather these items and set them up on a workbench, and you’ll be ready to move forward with the next steps in your Spidercarts project!