Recent advancements in the best welding gloves are due to higher performance materials and better sewing patterns. There’s a much wider selection of welding gloves to choose from than a few years ago.
Now I am sure you are asking, if there are so many welding gloves on the market, how do I know which ones are the best welding gloves?
Well, to help, there are some easy questions you should ask when choosing your next pair of welding gloves.
What type of welding will you be doing?
The biggest factor in choosing the right welding glove for the job is asking what kind of welding you will be doing: Stick, TIG, or MIG. Each type requires different degrees of dexterity and heat protection. If you choose a glove that was not designed for the type of welding you are doing, the gloves probably will not provide the appropriate amount of protection you need. This will result in burns or injury.
STICK Welding
Unlike TIG and MIG welding, Stick welding produces extremely high heat and splatter. However, it does not require a lot of dexterity. Thus, when it comes to hand protection your best bet is a heavyweight cow split leather glove with a really good lining – like the Black Stallion 750 Welding Gloves
TIG Welding
TIG welding produces the lowest amount of heat. As such, requires the highest touch sensitivity. For these reasons, we recommend a goatskin welding glove with a keystone thumb. Goatskin like these Revco TIGSTER 8482’s offers the best combination of dexterity and durability.
MIG Welding
As I am sure you already know, MIG produces a lot of sparks and heat. Because of this reason, welders generally go with two different variations of hand protection: goat or cow grain gloves with a lining or lined, heavier weight cow split gloves.
These days, welders (myself included) are choosing lined goat grain gloves. Mostly because they have better touch sensitivity–gotta have the feels. But, if you favor the cow split option, I’d recommend choosing a pair with a reinforced thumb crotch. It’ll make your gloves last a lot longer.
Which type of leather do I need?
In short, If you’re going to be doing TIG or MIG welding, we suggest choosing goat grain gloves. However, if you know you’re going to be doing Stick – or Oxyacetylene – welding, then go with a lined cow grain or cow split glove. I have a pair of elk skin ones that are fast becoming my favorites.
What is the benefit from wearing gloves with Kevlar® stitching?
This is a pretty easy question. Whenever you have the option available, always choose a glove with Kevlar® stitching. While cotton or nylon threads will burn when they’re hit with sparks or degrade under high temperatures, Kevlar® does not!
Which thumb style should I choose?
Well that comes down to personal preference. After trying out many types (straight, wing, choy, and keystone), I prefer a keystone thumb. Most everyone finds them to be more comfortable and ergonomic as compared to straight thumb styles.
Will cut hazards also be a risk?
Most welding jobs involve a higher than average chance of getting cut. After all, you are moving around sheet metal and handling large pieces with sharp, rough cut edges. If you find yourself working in one of these environments, your best bet is to choose a glove with a Kevlar® lining
So there you have it. How to find the best welding gloves by asking yourself a few easy questions.
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