A method of monitoring a resistance welding system is provided. The method utilizes a sensor for isolating and determining movement of a pin that typically supports an object to be welded such as a fastener. The movement of the pin is used to determine various present welding operation parameters to reduce cycle time, and increase efficiency and quality of the weld. The present welding operation parameters are compared to learned or stored welding operation parameters, for example, to determine whether a fault should be generated or whether an acceptable weld was achieved.