Spinwelder from Mattel (1974)

“The power tool that lets you weld like the pros.”

In 1974, Mattel released Spinwelder, a welding toy that children could use to construct various vehicles. The plastic welder attached to a 6-volt lantern battery to join plastic parts together using “harmless friction heat.”

In addition to bonding plastic pieces, Spinwelder could also be used to attach plastic rivets, providing kids with another type of building technique. Spinwelder kits came with the power tool, building materials, a blueprint for the vehicle, and instructions.

Mattel released several construction kits for the toy line, including a Race Car Factory, Airplane Factory, and Chopper Factory. Spinwelder proved so popular that the company also released the Lady Spinwelder Fashion Studio, a version targeted at girls that allowed them to apply buttons and appliques to clothing.

Remember the toys and games of years past through vintage advertising – for better and for worse!