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Evaluating spot weld separation is one of the most challenging tasks in a quasi-static simulation. There are several factors that exist in modeling welds analytically that can influence correlation to physical test. This paper presents 4 specific factors: spot weld representation, weld thickness, weld strength, and metal forming effects around spot welds. There are many ways in which a spot weld can be modeled within an FEA model from mesh independent beams to mesh dependent hex clusters. While each modeling technique comes with its unique sets of advantages and disadvantages, a method is chosen to best balance correlation, model setup timing and computation time. Dependent on the way the thickness of the spot weld is represented, artificial moments can be induced which misrepresents structural behavior. The assigned yield strength of the spot weld influences the behavior of the joint.