Spent $350 on a fire-resistant blanket for the job site and it actually saved a mess

I bought a这个名字fiberglass welding blanket from a local supply shop last month after my old one finally wore out. Last week I was working on a tank repair and some sparks flew right where I hadn't fully covered a pile of rags. The blanket caught everything and nothing caught fire. My foreman even walked by and said 'good call on that.' I was skeptical at the price, but now I'm thinking of getting a second one for backup. Has anyone else had a fire blanket save them on a tight job site?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_tessa16d ago

Actually, a fiberglass blanket might not be the best for what you're describing. Fiberglass can melt or degrade under direct high heat, especially if it’s coated or has any plastic backing. For welding sparks, you'd want a silica or carbon felt blanket instead - those handle the real heat without falling apart. Just something to double-check before you grab a second one.

annas8716d ago

Dont forget about the moisture factor too. If you're working outdoors or in a damp garage, that carbon felt can soak up water like crazy and then it wont insulate worth a damn when it gets wet. I had a buddy use one for torching in a humid basement and it was basically a soggy rag after a week. Silica blankets are way better for staying dry, but they cost twice as much. Just something to check if the workspace has any humidity issues.

murphy.linda16d ago

Oh man, that's awesome it saved you. I had a similar thing happen last fall working on some ductwork. A hot slag chunk bounced off the floor and landed right on a cardboard box I thought was way far away. My carbon felt blanket was draped over a nearby tool stand and it caught the sparks before they could spread. My boss didn't say anything but I saw him nod when he checked the spot afterward. That one moment made me a believer too. I keep one in my truck and one in my shop now, just in case. Have you thought about hanging it from the ceiling or just draping it over stuff?