The Most Common Welding Mistakes We See (and Fix)

Welding may look like sparks and steel from the outside, but the quality of the weld is what really determines the strength, safety, and longevity of any metal project. At Get Bent Metal Fabrication, we’ve seen our fair share of welding jobs gone wrong — from rushed repairs to downright dangerous structural mistakes.

Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or business owner, knowing what to look out for can save you time, money, and a major headache down the road. Here are the most common welding mistakes we see (and fix) — and why choosing the right fabricator matters.

Sloppy Welds That Don’t Hold UP

​Welding is part science, part art. A proper weld should be clean, strong, and consistent — not lumpy, cracked, or uneven. Unfortunately, we often see sloppy welds that were done in a hurry or by someone who wasn’t properly trained. These weak spots can lead to breaks under stress, poor load distribution, or early failure.
We fix these by grinding down the bad weld, re-prepping the joint, and applying a strong, clean pass using the proper technique for the material. It's not just about appearance — it's about doing it right.

Poor Surface Pre

​Welding onto dirty, oily, or painted surfaces is a recipe for a bad bond. We’ve seen welds laid directly on rust or contaminants, which prevents proper fusion and weakens the connection.
At Get Bent, we always start with thorough surface prep — grinding, cleaning, and ensuring everything is ready for a proper weld. It might take more time up front, but it saves you from major issues later.

Wrong Weld for the Job

​Not all welds are created equal. Sometimes we come across jobs where the wrong type of weld was used — like using a quick tack weld where a full penetration weld was needed. This can lead to parts failing under pressure or vibration.
We take the time to assess the project and choose the right method and material every time, whether it’s MIG or TIG, and based on the application — from aluminum brackets to steel handrails.

Lack of Joint Fit-Up

Even with the best welding skills, a bad joint fit will cause problems. Gaps that are too wide, misaligned parts, or poor clamping can all result in weak or uneven welds.
One of the things we pride ourselves on is precision — making sure every part is cut and fitted properly before the welding even begins. That’s the kind of detail that shows in the finished product.

Rushed Work That Doesn’t Last

​Welding isn’t something you rush. We’ve repaired jobs where corners were clearly cut — rushed passes, no cooling time, or welds applied without even removing old, damaged material. These quick fixes don’t last and often make the problem worse.
At Get Bent, we believe in getting it done once — and getting it done right. That means no shortcuts, no guesswork, just solid workmanship built to last.

Experience That Shows in Every Wel

Welding mistakes are common, especially in DIY jobs or rushed commercial work — but they don’t have to be. With years of hands-on experience and a commitment to quality, we take pride in fixing what others couldn’t get right.
Whether you need a structural repair, a custom build, or a fresh fabrication job, we’ve got the tools, skills, and standards to make it solid from the start.

 
Have a welding problem that needs fixing?

Get in touch with us for all of your Metal Fabrication in Kelowna — we’ll make sure it’s done right, down to the last bead.