Best Welding Gloves - Our Picks
Protecting your hands while welding is critical. The temperature and heat generated at the welding arc will burn in seconds and regular ‘work’ gloves just aren’t up to the task. They aren’t designed to protect against high heat or sparks and may even catch fire when exposed to these types of work environments. That’s why it’s important that you invest in a good pair of welding gloves.
If you’re going to buy welding gloves, you do need to make certain they’re designed for the type of welding you’re going to do. There are certain gloves that are best used for MIG welding, while others are better for TIG welding. Here are some of the Best Welding Gloves currently on the market so you can make an informed decision.
Best Gloves for MIG Welding
These options are our picks for the best MIG welding gloves out there. There are a few differences between these gloves and the ones used in TIG welding. MIG gloves generally have additional padding on the back and fit a little bit looser. This is because you’ll often have one hand on your work surface, so the padding gives you extra protection. The loose fit allows you to quickly remove the glove if it catches on fire or gets too hot. Because MIG welding uses more of your wrist than your fingers, the reduced flexibility isn’t a major concern.
Steiner 21923-L
If you’re looking for a pair of long, durable welding gloves, you want to check out Steiner 21923’s. They measure 23 inches long, so they will protect your entire hand and most of your arm. Made from shoulder-split cowhide, these gloves are very durable and feature lock stitching with flame resistant Kevlar. The thumb strap is reinforced for extra protection, and the welted design is both comfortable and provides extra durability.
Pros:
- Outstanding protection and durability.
- Provides full arm protection.
- ThermoCore foam insulated backing.
Cons:
- A little more expensive than some, but still a good price.
- Not very flexible.
Tillman 875L Premium Top Grain Elkskin
The Tillman 875L premium welding gloves are made from top grain elk skin, giving them a durable yet also soft and comfortable feel. Elk skin is a good material to use for gloves since it is naturally oil and moisture-resistant and doesn’t crack as fast as cowhide does. The thumb has been given added reinforcement to help you hold your torch steady. Note that the L in 875L stands for large size. If you wear a medium glove, you would want the 875M.
Pros:
- Elk skin won’t crack or stiffen up quickly.
- Kevlar thread gives extra durability.
Cons:
- More expensive than some options.
- Really only covers your hands.
RAPICCA Leather Forge
RAPICCA’s leather forge gloves are great for MIG and stick welding. They use cowhide to protect you from the heat up to 932 degrees Fahrenheit, and they cover your hands and lower arms. They have Kevlar patches on the palms, backs, and fingers to provide some extra durability and protection. The inside is lined with cotton, while the exterior is a mixture of blue and brown leather.
Pros:
- Excellent price.
- Kevlar patches offer extra protection.
- High heat resistance.
Cons:
- Shorter than some other options.
- Weak stitching.
US Forge 400
These bright blue welding gloves offer good protection at a great price. The US Forge 400 gloves extend up 14 inches to cover your hands and lower arms. They’re very comfortable and resistant to rips and tears, but yet they’re still flexible enough that you don’t lose the dexterity needed to handle your welding equipment.
Pros:
- Good quality for the price.
- Low Cost.
Cons:
- Only 14 inches long, so they do leave some of your arm exposed.
- Less insulation from heat compared to other options.
Best Gloves for TIG Welding
TIG gloves, on the other hand, are generally thinner and made out of softer materials than those used in MIG gloves. They have a snugger fit so you can manipulate the materials and the torch more easily. The biggest danger with TIG welding isn’t sparks or spatter, but heat, so your hands still need protection.
Black Stallion (Revco) T50
The Black Stallion Revco T50 TIG welding gloves are made out of extra-premium goatskin. This gives you amazing dexterity, while the drag patch reinforcement on the side gives you additional insulation. The gloves give you the snug fit you want, while the Kevlar stitches gives you some extra abrasion and flame resistance.
Pros:
- Goatskin is comfortable and gives you excellent control.
- Good for short amounts of work.
Cons:
- Not as heat-resistant when used for long periods of time.
- Light color shows dirt easily.
Lincoln Electric Grain Leather K2981-L
The Lincoln Electric Grain Leather K2981 TIG welding gloves are made from split grain cowhide and goat skin, so they have that great fit you want in a TIG glove while also providing protection from heat. The palm is padded for comfort and dexterity, while the Kevlar thread gives additional protection and strength. The 4″ leather cuffs provide wrist protection and abrasion resistance. Note that the K2981-L is the large size of the glove.
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable.
- High strength seams.
- Light weight.
Cons:
- Seams can get in the way.
- Dis-color quickly.
Tillman 1338 Top Grain Goatskin
Tillman’s 1338 Top Grain Goatskin TIG gloves are designed with the welder in mind. The goatskin gives you a good amount of dexterity, while the glide patch on each glove protects the sides from heat. Additional protection and durability is provided by 4″ leather cuffs. These gloves have a reinforced thumb and are sewn with Kevlar stitching.
Pros:
- Great price.
- Offers lots of flexibility.
Cons:
- Low heat resistance.
- Sizing runs small.
Conclusion
Gloves are another important safety item for every welder. Welding specific models focus on protection and heat resistance while also attempting to offer movement flexibility for the welder. The process of welding does require a bit of ‘feel’ so there’s always a fine balance between a good glove and one that wears like an oven mitt. Good quality brands also understand that a welder still needs hand protection when they aren’t welding. Cutting, grinding or even handling materials poses risks to your hands that a good pair of gloves can mitigate.
The best welding gloves balance all of these needs along with providing comfort for the user. The brands we’ve looked at all follow these principles and will make a great addition to your kit. While you may be able to get away with a single pair, the differing requirements of MIG and TIG welding may call for dedicated gloves for each process. Give their low relative cost, this shouldn’t be an issue even for the hobbyist.
