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If you’re into some serious welding, then you need to buy yourself some protective gloves. Hot metal objects are all around and the spatter flying off the welder can cause serious skin burns even if you’re the most professional welder on the planet.
Your safety is a major concern whether you’re a professional or amateur welder. It allows you to focus on the difficult job you have at hand while guaranteeing that there will be no unfortunate accidents on the website.
In this article, I will review 7 of the best welding gloves on the market. I will also answer some of the most common questions related to welding gloves and tell you about the best way to pick the right pair for you.
When you’re welding, you’re required to do a lot of tasks in addition to holding and targeting a welder towards the surface you want to work on. You need high-quality gloves that protect your hands and prevent objects from slipping. Here are the best welding gloves on the market.
These professional protective gloves from Caiman are designed for welders who do overhead welding. They are 21 inches long so they cover your forearm to provide the best guard against molten metal and flying sparks.
Unlike other longer gloves, these are extremely flexible so they won’t strain your hand while you’re doing different welding jobs. They’re constructed from high-quality deerskin which provides maximum protection from high temperatures without being too restricting.
Although these gloves are longer, they’re extremely flexible so they won’t affect your movement when you’re tackling accurate jobs. The palm and cuff are reinforced with a Boarhide patch that provides the most adequate protection from heat with additional cushioning.
Moreover, these welding gloves feature Kevlar stitching that resists high temperatures and abrasion. The 3-dimensional design combines maximum durability with flexibility that allows your hand to move freely. The fit matches the natural curvature of your hand so these gloves don’t wear as fast as other models on the market.
They’re available in one size that fits all but there’s a special size for larger hands. The tips are less durable than other parts so you should be careful while dealing with hot objects. I recommend these to professional welders who weld on a daily basis because they’re expensive.
Most welding gloves come in one size that fits all. However, these gloves are available in 2 sizes; 14 and 16 inches so you can pick the most comfortable fit. The gloves won’t slide and will guard your hands against molten metal, flying sparks, and extremely hot objects while you’re working on the jobsite as they’re designed to withstand a temperature of 662 °F.
These affordable gloves are made of cow split leather which feels soft and flexible. The leather is more than 1.2 mm thick for maximum protection against heat and fire. In spite of their price, these gloves are extremely durable so I recommend them to serious welders who don’t want to spend a lot of cash.
They’re reinforced with fireproof sewing that guarantees that your gloves will stay in great shape upon contact with fire. The suede finish is elegant enough to be worn on other occasions; however, they’re not as puncture and abrasion-resistant as other models on the market. They can also get stained by oil.
I recommend these suede gloves to farmers and welders who work in the piping business because they feature cotton lining that wicks moisture and keeps your hands dry. They’re also so versatile so they can be used for other jobs on the farm.
It’s common to feel that these gloves are a bit stiff, especially when you try them for the first time. You’ll need a short period to break them in. However, they’re still good value for money given their budget-friendly price.
These durable gloves from Lincoln are made of high-quality cowhide split leather which provides excellent resistance to heat. They’re also very comfortable to wear so you can move your hand easily while doing MIG or Stick welding.
They’re more resistant to wear than other welding gloves on the market, thanks to the padded thumb. These gloves are oil, chemical, and puncture-resistant to they won’t get damaged when you’re dealing with sharp objects.
The interior lining guarantees that your gloves will be resistant to flames and sparks. The cotton interior absorbs moisture, keeping your hands cool and comfortable till the end of the day.
Durability is an impressive feature of these affordable gloves. They feature Kevlar stitching which is resistant to melting at high temperatures and they also come with fitted padding that keeps your hands comfortable while holding heavyweight objects. I recommend these gloves to welders who work in the construction or piping business. They’re also suitable for farmers.
Moreover, all the seams are reinforced with leather to prevent accidental tearing. They come in one size that fits most users so they might not suit your hands if they’re exceptionally large or small. They might be too stiff, especially if you’re interested in TIG welding.
These multipurpose gloves from Tillman are perfect for all types of welding. These are made of elkskin which is more durable than most other types of leather. It’s more heat resistant than cow skin and is also less prone to stiffening over time.
With Kevlar stitching, you know that your hands will always be safe even when you’re handling hot metals. I recommend these gloves to professional welders who work on the construction site because they’re more durable than most gloves on the market.
They’re extremely flexible so they suit you if you’re into TIG welding which requires more movement than MIG and Stick welding. You won’t suffer from hand fatigue while using the welder for long hours because these gloves don’t harden when exposed to heat. They come in sizes, so you should make sure that they suit your hands.
If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider another pair of gloves as these gloves cost twice or three times the price of other welding gloves. They don’t cover the forearm so you need to pair them with long-sleeved shirts for maximum protection.
These affordable gloves from WZQH are made of cowhide split leather and flame-resistant stitching for maximum protection. Moreover, breathable cotton lining will keep your hands cool and comfortable while you’re welding.
You can guarantee the best shield for your hands thanks to its 1.2mm thick and soft shoulder split natural cowhide leather. It’s resistant to heat, water, oil, cuts, and wear so your gloves will last for long. Given their affordable price, these gloves are excellent value for money.
Moreover, these gloves extend to provide adequate protection to your forearms. The gloves measure 16 inches with 7.5 inches covering your forearms from metal sparks that naturally fly around when you’re welding.
They provide up to 932°F of heat-resistance so they’re also suitable for all types of applications. You can use them while you’re barbecuing, cooking or even lighting up a campfire so I recommend them for farmers who will do a lot of welding on the farm then move on to do other tasks.
These gloves run large so they won’t suit if you have small hands. They don’t provide enough slip resistance so you should be careful using them while holding sharp objects.
Without breaking the bank, you can enjoy maximum protection using these welding gloves from US Forge. They’re very soft and flexible so they’re suitable for welders who need to focus on more detailed tasks like TIG welding.
These gloves will protect your hands from all sparks but they’re not designed to withstand very high temperatures. They’re smoother than other models on the market so they’re specifically designed to suit TIG welders who naturally feel a lot of hand fatigue at the end of the day.
With top-grain leather construction, these gloves are as durable as gloves that cost twice or thrice the price. The interior lining is designed to wick moisture and keep your hands cool while you’re welding for long hours.
They come in a single size and they are perfect for big hands. However, if you have exceptionally small hands you won’t find them comfortable because they don’t come with straps or belts that help you to adjust the fit.
You can take a look at these durable welding gloves from Kim Yuan if you want to enjoy the best shield from heat. They’re made of excellent quality cow split leather that guarantees excellent heat-resistance. They’re practically fireproof so you can use them while dealing with hot metals.
Sweat absorption is a good feature that you can enjoy while wearing these welding gloves. After spending long hours of welding, your hands will naturally feel very hot. However, these gloves are cotton lined to absorb sweat and your hands will stay comfortable and dry.
Don’t worry about getting in contact with high temperatures because these gloves are designed to withstand heat up to 662 °F. Moreover, they feature Kevlar stitching that maintains the quality of the welding gloves with continuous exposure to high temperatures.
They’re extremely thick but soft so they’re comfortable to wear all day long. They’re also oil-resistant but they’re not thick enough to be puncture-resistant.
Hand strain is minimized thanks to the pads. They provide the needed cushioning to prevent pain and injury. They also guarantee a good grip while handling hot and heavy objects.
The denim cuffs provide more flexibility around the wrists so you can move your hand properly. However, these gloves are too stiff to handle TIG welding where you want your hands to move comfortably for more accurate and detailed tasks. They’re also more expensive than other models on the market.
Wearing the best welding gloves gives you the needed confidence so you can finish your welding project in excellent quality. You can also rest assured that your hands won’t be prone to burns. Welding gloves are available in various styles and materials, so you should study several features until you find the right ones for you.
I chose the CAIMAN 1878-5 Glove, Welding 21 In as the best welding gloves because they’re durable, flexible, and will keep your hands protected against high temperatures. They’re also long enough to cover your forearms against sparks.
With the right protective gear, you can become a better welder as you know you can control your machine properly. Whatever your needs are, you’ll definitely find something that suits you on this list.
If you’re in the construction or piping business, then you probably have a pair of work gloves that you use while completing various tasks.
No matter how experienced you are, you need protective gloves whenever you start welding. Welders deal with hot metal and flying sparks that can accidentally burn their skin. Good welding gloves won’t only protect your hands and arms from burns, but they will also give you a better grip and more control while you’re doing a dangerous job.
Welding gloves are different from other work gloves because they’re designed to withstand the high temperatures. Unlike woodworking gloves and metalworking gloves, these are designed to withstand the heat that you deal with while melting different metals. Here are some of the benefits of welding gloves.
They’re insulated. When you’re welding, you’re likely to deal with lots of heat through contact or radiation. You need protective gloves that won’t cause any skin burns and will keep your hands safe so you finish the job till the end. The gloves shouldn’t get too hot even if you’re working near molten metals.
Welding gloves are usually longer than normal work gloves. They go past the wrist towards the forearm or elbow to cover most of your skin. This provides better protection against flying sparks that might accidentally cause burns.
Welding gloves are usually made of non-synthetic materials like leather and cotton. These materials are usually more resilient. Leather is heat resistant. When exposed to high temperatures and fire, natural materials burn, unlike synthetic materials.
Most work gloves are made of synthetic materials like nylon because they’re usually more affordable and durable. However, they melt when they’re exposed to high temperatures. This can cause a lot of hazards and subject you to extreme injuries in case your hands get subject to extreme temperatures.
Every welding project is different so there isn’t one model that works for everyone. If you’re an amateur welder who works on the farm, you’ll be interested in a different type of gloves than the ones a professional welder would choose.
With TIG welding, you need to make sure that your hands are able to move comfortably. Things can be easier if you’re interested in MIG or Stick welding when you generally need maximum heat-resistance even if the gloves are stiff. For professional welders, wearing the right protective gloves isn’t a matter of choice as they should be a part of your work uniform to comply with safety standards and regulations.
The short answer is: No. Although fingerless gloves are extremely comfortable to wear and provide welders with a chance to move freely while touching and feeling the metal they’re working with, they don’t provide adequate protection from flying hot sparks that might burn your skin.
Moreover, the tips of your fingers are subject to contact with very hot objects. The fingerless design won’t protect your hands from sharp and heavyweight objects that you’re likely to work with when you’re welding.
There are several types of welding and each one of them comes with a set of characteristics. The right gloves should be suitable to the circumstances you face on the jobsite or in your workshop.
MIG or metal inert gas involves a lot of flying sparks. This is why you need to make sure that your gloves are designed to provide the best heat protection. Longer gloves will be more appropriate because they will guarantee that your skin will be safe from accidental burns.
TIG or tungsten inert gas welding tasks require lighter gloves. They should be more flexible and easier to maneuver so you can finish your job in the best quality.
With the right welding gloves, you’ll notice a big improvement in your welding speed and the quality of your jobs. Moreover, they will guarantee that your hands will be safe although you’re dealing with hot objects.
As you’re shopping for the right pair of welding gloves, things can become a little challenging because there are lots of good models available. Here are a few factors to think about while shopping for a new pair.
Most welding gloves are made of leather but there are several kinds used and each one of them comes with a set of features that you need to understand.
Full top-grain leather comes from the top of the animal hide. It’s usually very smooth and flexible so it allows welders to move their hands freely providing better dexterity. Split leather which is also known as suede is thicker. This means that it’s more durable and would provide more protection. The leather comes from several animals and each type comes with a few advantages and disadvantages.
Elkskin is the most durable type of leather. It provides maximum protection against heat, oil, chemicals, and abrasion. It’s also more expensive than other types of leather. Elkskin is suitable for all types of welding but might not be suitable for amateur welders who only weld occasionally.
Deerskin is extremely flexible and allows for better dexterity so it’s the number one choice for TIG as well as MIG welders who need to move their hands freely. This type of leather tends to become more comfortable and flexible over time. However, it’s not as thick as types of leather so it might not be that puncture-resistant.
Cowhide is the most popular type of leather. It’s more affordable and provides adequate heat-resistance in addition to some flexibility. If you usually do MIG welding or Stick welding, then these gloves will work for you.
Generally speaking, several welding gloves would work for MIG and TIG welding. However, sometimes you need special gloves to finish the job in the best quality.
TIG welding requires choosing thin and flexible gloves for tackling delicate jobs. You need to move your hand carefully as you’re using the TIG torch to finish the job in the best quality. Most TIG welding gloves aren’t that heat resistant as they’re designed to provide better dexterity.
Some TIG welding gloves will have some extra padding on the fingertips. This will be enough to provide the needed heat-resistance. You should make sure that your TIG welding gloves are perfectly lined to provide good protection against abrasion and hot temperatures.
MIG welding processes involve dealing with extremely high temperatures. As a result, the gloves should be perfectly insulated to shield your arms and forearms from heat. A thicker leather is the right choice as it provides the needed shield from spatter and other hot objects. Top grain cowhide is a good choice as it’s highly resistant to heat.
Stick welding or Shielded Metal Arc Welding is quite simple, so you don’t need very flexible gloves. You can get away with extremely thick gloves as this type of welding provides the maximum amount of sparks and heat.
Good stitching holds the gloves together so they can withstand cuts and abrasion. Kevlar stitching reinforces the seams so that your gloves don’t accidentally cut while you’re welding. This type of stitching makes your gloves more resistant to the harsh conditions on the jobsite.
If you’re an amateur welder, you can buy gloves with cotton yarn. This will be enough to hold the parts of the gloves together as you don’t have to use them every single day.
In addition to the outside of the gloves, you should make sure that the interior is perfectly lined to keep your hands comfortable. Most welding gloves are insulated to protect your hands from fire and heat. However, this means that your hands are probably going to get very hot by the end of the day.
Cotton lining absorbs moisture as your hands sweat while you’re working. This will guarantee that your hands won’t suffer from any nasty skin infections or accidentally slip you’re working.
Most welding gloves come in one size that fits all. This can be a little problem, especially if you have exceptionally large or small hands. If your gloves come in different sizes, you should make sure that they fit right.
Wide gloves are comfortable to wear and also easy to take off in case something goes wrong. However, tight gloves will allow you to have more control while working with your welder.
Some welding gloves are designed to go past the wrist. They will cover part of your forearm to provide maximum protection against hot temperatures. However, if your gloves are stiff, it will be quite difficult to use your welder accurately.
