How the Chassis Speed Jig Works
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A First-Time User’s Guide
If you’ve ever tried to tack a tab in place with one hand while holding a torch in the other, you already know the struggle. Tabs shift. Alignment goes out the window. You tack it, step back, and realize it’s crooked, so you grind it off and do it again.
Most fabricators have been there. Clamps help sometimes. Magnets help sometimes. Extra hands help… if you have them.
That frustration is exactly why the Chassis Speed Jig exists.
This guide walks through what the Chassis Speed Jig is, how it works, and why it’s different from traditional clamps or magnets, especially if you’re welding tabs on tube chassis and want cleaner, more repeatable results.
Why Holding Tabs Is Harder Than It Should Be
Welding tabs onto round tubing sounds simple, but in practice it’s one of those tasks that eats up time fast.
Common issues fabricators run into include:
- Tabs shifting while tacking
- Inconsistent spacing across a chassis
- Crooked or uneven alignment
- Fighting clamps that don’t quite fit
- Trying to hold everything steady with one hand
When you’re working solo or trying to keep a build moving, these small issues turn into rework, wasted time, and frustration.
The Chassis Speed Jig was built to eliminate that problem entirely.
What Is the Chassis Speed Jig?
The Chassis Speed Jig is a purpose-built, hands-free welding jig designed specifically to help fabricators hold and align tabs on round tubing during fit-up and tack welding.
Unlike generic clamps or magnets, this jig is:
- Designed specifically for chassis fabrication
- Built to provide repeatable alignment
- Easy to set up and remove
- Created by fabricators who actually weld tabs every day
It’s a tool meant to make one of the most annoying steps in fabrication faster, cleaner, and more consistent.
What Problems Does the Chassis Speed Jig Solve?
The jig directly addresses the most common pain points fabricators deal with when welding tabs:
- Misaligned tabs that don’t sit square on the tube
- Uneven spacing when installing multiple tabs
- Wasted time grinding off bad tacks and starting over
- Inconsistent results between builds or between sides of a chassis
- Trying to weld one-handed while holding parts in place
By holding the tab securely and square to the tube, the jig lets you focus on what matters — clean tacks and solid welds.
How the Chassis Speed Jig Works (Step by Step)
Step 1: Choose the Correct Jig Size
Selecting the right size jig is critical. The jig is designed to fit snugly on the tubing diameter you’re working with.
Chassis Speed Jigs for Dzus Tabs & Scallop Strips are available in:
0.375”, 0.50”, 0.75”, 1.00”, 1.125”, 1.25”, 1.375”, 1.50”, 1.625”, 1.75”, 2.00”
Chassis Speed Jigs for Trick Tabs are available in:
This is why many fabricators end up owning multiple sizes — different tubing, different builds, different needs. Sometimes because multiple tabs need to be placed quickly, other times because workflow is faster with multiple jigs on hand. Consistency matters across an entire chassis. This is also why bundle options make sense for many shops and builders.
Step 2: Attach the Jig to the Tube
Once you’ve selected the correct size, the jig is placed directly onto the tube where the tab needs to go.
Key benefits include:
- Stable fit on round tubing
- No need for extra clamps
- No fighting gravity or movement
The jig stays put, giving you a solid base for alignment.
Step 3: Place the Tab into the Jig
With the jig mounted, the tab (Dzus tab, trick tab, or scallop strip) is placed into the jig.
At this stage, the jig:
- Holds the tab square to the tube
- Maintains consistent positioning
- Makes alignment easy to repeat across multiple tabs
This is especially helpful when installing several tabs in a row and trying to keep everything uniform.
Step 4: Tack Weld — Hands-Free
This is where the jig really shines.
With the tab held securely in place, you can:
- Use both hands properly
- Focus on clean tacks
- Avoid tabs shifting mid-weld
No more juggling parts or trying to “make it work” with awkward setups.
Step 5: Remove the Jig and Finish Welding
Once the tab is tacked:
- Remove the jig
- Proceed with final welding
The jig is designed for fit-up and tack welding, not for sitting in the weld puddle. Used correctly, it speeds up the process and improves consistency without getting in the way.
How Is This Different from Clamps or Magnets?
Let’s take a closer look:
Clamps
- Bulky and awkward in tight spaces
- Often block access to the weld area
- Not designed for tab alignment
Generic Magnets
- Can shift under heat
- Not purpose-built for tabs
- Inconsistent positioning
Chassis Speed Jig
- Designed specifically for tab placement
- Hands-free and repeatable
- Cleaner setup and faster workflow
- Built for real-world fabrication use
Look at Various Chassis Speed Jigs Available
Will the Jig Melt?
This is one of the most common questions, and it’s a fair one. The Chassis Speed Jig is made from high-heat ASA filament, chosen for its durability and performance in fabrication environments.
Important things to know:
- It’s designed to handle close proximity to welding heat
- It’s meant for fit-up and tacking, not final weld passes
- Like any tool, misuse (direct arc contact, prolonged heat exposure) can cause damage
Used as intended, the jig holds up well and does exactly what it’s designed to do.
Find More Welding & Fabrication Resources
Who the Chassis Speed Jig Is Best For
This tool is ideal for:
- Motorsports fabricators and chassis builders
- DIY builders working solo
- Small shops looking to increase efficiency
- Anyone tired of redoing tabs
If you weld tabs regularly, the jig saves time and headaches.
A Smarter Way to Weld Tabs
The Chassis Speed Jig isn’t about reinventing fabrication; it’s about removing unnecessary friction from a process fabricators already know.
Cleaner alignment. Faster setup. More repeatable results.
Explore Your Options
Ready to see which jig sizes fit your builds best?
Explore individual Chassis Speed Jigs and discounted bundle options to find the right setup for your shop.