How to Replace a Cover Lens (and Change a Welding Helmet Lens)
How to change welding helmet lens covers: pop out the front lens holder, swap the clear outside cover, then remove the auto-darkening cartridge to swap the inside cover. Peel any protective film off new covers first.
Buy covers made for your helmet — our cover lens picks list them by model.
Step by step
- Remove the front holder. Release the clip or frame that holds the outside cover lens.
- Swap the outside cover. Take out the old cover, peel the film from the new one and fit it with the gasket in place.
- Remove the cartridge. From inside the helmet, release the auto-darkening cartridge or filter plate.
- Swap the inside cover. Replace the thin inside cover lens behind the cartridge, then refit the cartridge.
- Test. Check the lens darkens with the test button before welding.
How to replace welding helmet lens cartridges
Replacing the auto-darkening cartridge itself works the same way, but use the maker's part: Lincoln lists KP3045-4 for the 3350 series and Hobart lists 770846 for the Inventor. On 2 × 4¼ in hoods, any lens confirmed to fit — see the lens size finder.
Best way to clean welding lens surfaces
Wipe the cartridge with a soft cloth dampened (not soaked) with mild soapy water, as Lincoln's manual advises, and never submerge it. Clean cover lenses the same way, but replace them once they're pitted — cleaning won't remove spatter burns.
How to clean a welding helmet shell and headgear
Wipe the shell with a damp cloth, wash or replace the sweatband, and keep the sensors and solar cell clean so the lens keeps triggering.
Our recommendation
For the right covers and cartridges, see our welding lens page. Flux-core burns through covers fastest — our MIG helmet picks note which ones have cheap replacements, and all helmet accessories are listed by brand.