a pair of tongs position the first and second electrodes with respect to the workpiece while the tongs rotate with respect to one another about a pivot axis . a counterbalancing mechanism balances the first and second electrodes when in or in close proximity to , the welding position , where the electrodes compressively engage opposite sides of the workpiece during the welding operation . the counterbalancing mechanism is disposed with respect to the pivot axis for biasing one of the tongs in a rotational direction with respect to the pivot axis , such that the weld gun apparatus including the pair of tongs and tong actuator are balanced about the pivot axis when in the closed position . the counterbalance mechanism may include a torsion spring connected to the pivot pin defining the pivot axis . the biasing force of the torsion spring may be adjusted to achieve the desired counterbalancing force to balance the weight of the weld gun assembly about the pivot pin .