Most people consider welding as a dangerous and risky craft. While this may not be totally disputable, the risk is minimal if the right precautions are taken. When welding, safety is key as it involves perilous heat and unsafe environment.
Welding gloves are therefore indispensable and getting the right pair is paramount. There is a large variety of gloves in the market varying from material they are made from, light and heavy duty, size, price, etc.
Making a decision on the one to purchase can be quite a task. The below guidelines provide you with all you need to make just the best decision.
Caiman 1878-5: One Size Fits
These are premium quality gloves in which durability, comfort, and ease of use might be achieved considering what it is made of. Featuring a super protective glove, Caiman 1878-5 is made overly for stick, plasma, and overhead welding.
The gloves come in the shape of the human hand thus very comfortable. Inside them is a distinctive pad which not only promotes comfort but also ensures safety. It is made from Deerskin and boar hide.
Additionally, it has ergonomic adjustable straps which prevent the glove from slipping down when welding. This not only adds onto safety but also eliminates the tedious task of putting the glove on every time it slips off.
Exclusive to this solid construction are natural contours that resemble the human hand. The back of the palm also matches thus guaranteeing comfort. The glove has a limited warranty that warranties against all manufacturer’s defects.
Pros
- The glove is super comfortable
- Puncture resistant
- Heavy duty padding
- Offers superior protection from sparks and heat
- Fireproof
- Versatile
- Pressure resistant
Cons
- The fleece lining causes the user to feel sweaty and too hot
- The single Kevlar stitching tears after some time especially if the glove is being used every so often.
- Unfit for fine, details and minimal movements due to their thickness caused by the heavy insulation
- Somewhat expensive
US Forge 403
Mostly, gloves are heavy and bulky making it difficult to attend to fine details. Manufacturers have always tried their best to balance between lightweight and maximum protection with little or no success.
However, US forge 403 have been designed with extensive knowledge, combining a set of inimitable features to achieve an ergonomic yet very protective make.
They are made of grain leather which is durable yet very soft offering unparalleled coziness and ease of use. The impeccable pair is highly heat resistant and can be comfortably used in over-heated working environments.
To ensure maximum protection, they are reinforced at the knuckles, back, palm and other high friction areas. This also enhances durability. There is an extra inch length at the wrist keeping you safe from the heat. However, this makes them unsuitable for people with short shaped arms.
The inside of this pair is designed with great attention to details with your comfort as the first priority. It features a luxurious lining that is soft ensuring great feel. Its flexibility cannot be ignored whatsoever.
You can easily fold your arm and hold the item for a longer period without fatigue in comparison to the heavy padded gloves in the market. To add on, you do not have to dig too deep in your pocket to afford this pair, as a matter of fact, it can be termed as a great purchase.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Ability to resist perilous heat
- Flexible and easy to use
- Utmost comfort and dexterity
- Suitable for overhead welding
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Can be easily damaged if exposed to intense heat for a long period of time
- It is not a perfect fit for people with short arms
Note; it is important to inquire about the size before purchasing to ensure the best fit
RAPICCA Leather Forge Welding Gloves
If you are a welder, you agree with me that welding is a demanding task that involves very high temperatures. In fact, it is certainly impossible to weld without gloves and other protective materials.
RAPICCA leather gloves are designed with expertise to offer maximum heat protection. It is made of double leather which not only offers comfort but also ensures maximum heat protection.
In the inside, the glove has a hygroscopic cotton lining that is very soft. This cotton lining also absorbs sweat ensuring that the user is comfortable all through. Additionally, it is sewed by Kevlar stitching thus very durable.
The glove has a thumb wing. This ensures that you are able to handle all tasks that you would with the human hand without limitation. The collection of standard parameters makes the glove versatile.
It is ideal for tasks such as cooking and attending pets and other reptiles which bite. Since it stands very high temperatures, (14720F). The versatile glove is apposite for all types of welding and tasks that involve handling hot coal.
The high-quality construction is about 16 inches long thus protects your arm from heat up to the elbow. It is unisex making it a perfect gift for each and every person.
Note: The glove should be wiped with a dump cloth to clean. It should not be washed in a machine or dipped in water as this will cause damage.
Pros
- Soft and sweat-absorbent
- Flame resistant
- Strong built
- Excellently durable double layer
Cons
- It is a bit inflexible since the material is stiff
- The soft cotton lining in the inside is a bit loose.
John Tillman – Straight Stitching
These are durable gloves that are designed with extensive knowledge to ensure maximum protection. They are made using cowhide that is naturally long lasting.
The inner side of these gloves is lined with fleece which makes them suitable for all weather conditions. The lining regulates temperatures and protects you from either too hot or too cold external temperature providing uttermost comfort.
If you are a welder, you know just how irritating it can get to keep pulling back gloves falling off gloves when working.
That is John Tillman welding gloves why are also fitted with an elastic band that ensures that they fit perfectly without falling off. Moreover, the areas that are exposed to a lot of friction when working are reinforced with leather to prevent them from tearing off.
The gloves are also Kevlar stitched at all pressure points for maximum protection from heat. The stitches also make them strong and sturdy increasing durability.
This premium feature makes them suitable for welding. It might be difficult to attend to details when working but this can be easily ignored considering the advantages that come along with them.
Pros
- Reinforced palm and back
- luxurious Fleece lining on the inside
- Made from premium Cowhide
- Seamless top grain
- Kevlar stitched for maximum protection
Cons
- Made of cotton which gets damaged easily
- Heavy and bulky
- Difficult to attend to fine details
Miller263343 – Armor
Miller263343 arc armor is designed with expertise to provide maximum protection when welding. They are purely made from first-rate cowhide and pigskin. They are heavy duty and are the ultimate solution for stick and metal inert gas welders.
They are also suitable for stick installation as they are characterized by an excellent ability to resist extreme heat. They can comfortably be used for oxy-welding and arc- welding without any fear of damage.
Moreover, these gloves are curved expertly resembling a human hand to ensure the best fit. They have a wing thumb design which makes them more flexible and easier to work with.
They are Kevlar stitched and therefore you do not have to worry about steam or sparks getting to your skin. The interior of the gloves is also spacious and comfortable.
The palm and back are double layered enhancing permanence and added protection. However, it is difficult to hold torches for an extended period of time due to the extra protection pad on the palm.
They are available in a range of sizes from small to extra-large size ensuring they are appropriate for every size of arms. They are surprisingly budget friendly and an investment worth making.
Pros
- Thick outer lining
- Kelver-lined for maximum heat resistance
- Impressive dexterity and comfort
- Reinforced friction area for uttermost protection
- Durable
cons
- Inappropriate for tungsten inert gas welders
- A lot of padding on the palm thus difficult to grip torches when welding
- Inability to attend to fine details
- Can be hot and sweaty if used for long
OZERO – Upgrade Gloves 9320
Every inch of this glove is made with your safety in mind. It has an arsenal of standard parameters which ensures that your fingers are maximally protected.
It is made of very tough cowhide leather that is exceptionally durable. The insulated aluminum foil delivers quality heat resistant. To protect the hands from the tough rough material, the glove is fitted with soft cotton wool warranting comfort.
As the word suggests, this glove stands temperatures as high as 5000C. This makes it apposite for all types of welding, upholding comfort and maximum protection. The glove, therefore, does not limit the user to low temperatures.
The glove is long enough (40.64 cm) thus fits most of the people perfectly. It has CTC level 4 certification which guarantees you quality. Actually, it can stand direct heat for around 15 seconds.
Note: in as much as the glove stands very high temperatures, it should not be exposed to direct heat or hot grill for too long as this causes damage.
Pros
- Extra soft
- Delivers unprecedented comfort
- Flexible and durable
- Flame retardant
- Cut and puncture resistant
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- They come in one size thus increasing the probability of not fitting some people
Lincoln Electric – K2979-ALL
This is a quality glove in which durability, comfort, and affordability has been met. It is made of sturdy split leather with a durable, soft cotton lining on the inside. The cotton lining is firmly attached thus ensuring comfort all through.
Kevlar thread has been used to stitch it all through. It, therefore, makes it very durable. This is complemented by seams that are armor-plated with leather ensuring that the glove does not tear.
Designed to stand very harsh welding conditions, LINCOLN ELECTRIC TRADITIONAL glove delivers unmatched heat resistance while still upholding comfort. This allows use in all tasks and welding types that involve high temperatures.
Exceptional to this comfortable design, the thumb wing is straight which heightens sensitivity. This allows you to work perfectly without missing the very fine details in every task. The glove is also affordable as compared to most constructions in the market today.
Pros
- Unprecedented dexterity
- It has welted seams making it extra durable
- Ideal for Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding
- Kevlar stitching
- One size fits all
- Unisex
Cons
- Somewhat stiff
- Available in one size only thus limited to specific persons
- Cannot stand very high temperatures
FAQ
- Do welding gloves stand direct heat?
Some gloves stand direct heat. However, the duration of time they can stand this varies from glove to glove depending on the materials it is made of.
For instance, gloves with Kevlar lining and are known to stand very high temperatures. However, some gloves do not stand direct heat at all and exposure to it causes damage and burns.
- How much do welding gloves cost?
Here, it is not possible to quote a specific price as it greatly varies from one glove to the other. The price is also dependent on the location of the buyer and the seller.
However, the price of gloves ranges from 8 dollars to around 90 dollars. With around 20 dollars, you will get standard quality gloves that will serve you satisfactorily.
Generally, gloves designed for TIG welding tend to be cheaper.
- Are there specific gloves for specific types of welding?
Yes. Some gloves are designed for a specific type of welding, say MIG or TIG. Those designed for Metal Inert Gas welding are thick especially on the back side and are loose compared to those that are designed for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) Welding. TIG welding gloves, on the other hand, are thinner and tend to fit more tightly.
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