The Ultimate Buyer's Guide to the Best Welding Gloves

Do you love welding? Have you always wanted to become a welder?

Whether you're experienced or just getting into things, you've got to have the right equipment. In that list of things you need is a great pair of gloves.

Many kinds of welding gloves exist, and many companies make them. So how would you know which ones are right for you?

Your best welding gloves won't be the same as someone else's. Because the welding you do determines what gloves would be best.

Not sure where to begin? We've got you covered. Read on for the ultimate guide to selecting the best welding gloves for you.

Great Welding Gloves: The Basics

Your needs will change depending on the type of welding you do, so it's important to understand the specifics of each type of welding. But first, let's look at the basic things you'll need in any welding circumstance.

First, you'll need good heat protection. Different types of welding produce different amounts of heat, but in all cases, you need some level of heat protection.

Don't buy ordinary gloves! Make sure you get ones specifically for welding.

While protection is important, you also don't want too much of a good thing, like lining. You don't want to get too hot just from body heat. Take this into consideration when you're comparing options.

Dexterity is important, but not as important in some situations as it is in others. Make sure you can maneuver however you'll need to while getting enough protection.

You want your gloves to last, so whatever you go with, make sure they are high quality and durable with a strong grip material. Gloves with Kevlar stitching will last longer since the seams will be stronger.

Apart from heat protection, you'll also want protection against cuts. Working sharp and/or rough metal edges is common in welding, and you don't want to risk getting cut. Consider the work you'll be doing and plan accordingly as you select your gloves.

RELATED: Heat Resistant Gloves for Welders, Steel Mill, & Ironworkers

Characteristics of High-Quality Gloves

When assessing the quality of the gloves you're comparing, several things need to be considered. Before we even talk about fit, the gloves must be hard-wearing and long-lasting to serve you well.

Your glove should have a good lining, as well as good quality leather. Higher-quality leather will provide better levels of protection.

Welding gloves are made from multiple kinds of leather. These include elk skin, cowhide, deerskin, pigskin, and goatskin. Each type has different characteristics. One type of leather will be better for a certain type of welding than another one will be.

Also, look for good insulation. These are all signs of well-made, high-quality gloves. Keep these things in mind to help you get a pair that will both protect and last.

A Good Fit

Making sure your welding gloves fit well is just as important as how much they can protect you. If your hands are slipping out or they don't have enough room to move, you'll end up being uncomfortable as well as unsafe.

Look for gloves that aren't bulky and that provide you with freedom of movement. Your gloves should also be comfortable, so find ones that feel good to you.

Consider the type of thumb type you want. You can also choose between gloves that cover only the hand or extend all the way up over the elbow.

TIG Welding

The best TIG welding gloves provide a great amount of dexterity. Protection from heat and splattering isn't as high a priority as they need to be with other types of welding. It's more important for you to be able to perform your work with precision.

Goatskin gloves are a great choice for TIG welding. They provide durability while giving you the nimbleness you need. Keystone thumbs are a good option too.

To test your level of dexterity, put on a pair of gloves, then try to pick up something small, like a dime. If you have issues, look for a different pair.

MIG Welding

MIG welding exposes welding to more heat than TIG welding does, and you'll want to take splattering into consideration. You'll also need protection from lots of sparks.

Lines goat or cow grain gloves, or gloves made from heavier weight cow split gloves are both great options. The best MIG welding gloves will be durable as well as protective against harmful spatters, sparks, and heat.

Stick Welding

The best stick welding gloves will be extremely heavy duty. If you're doing this type of welding, you'll need the highest level of protection!

Lots of really high heat and lots of splattering must be taken into consideration as you choose your gloves. But, you won't need to worry as much about dexterity.

Gloves that cover more than just your hands are worth your consideration here. You'll also want a really good lining.

Heavyweight cow split leather gloves work well for stick welding.

The Best Welding Gloves: A Summary

Overall, the best welding gloves for you will be different than for someone else. The choice you make has to be determined by the type of welding you'll be doing.

Consider the specifics of TIG, MIG, and stick welding, and know what you need protection from. Is protection from heat, splattering, or cuts more important? You may need a lot of protection from all these things.

The protection provided by each pair of gloves is hugely important, but don't forget to also consider how well they'll perform their job. Take price into consideration as well.

As you shop for welding gloves, keep these things in mind and find a balance that works best for you. Doing so will leave you both happy, and protected.

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