How to Choose the Right Welding Glove
Finding the right welding glove doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a novice welder eager to get started or a seasoned professional still searching for that perfect fit, Watson Gloves is here to make your search easier. With a few simple guidelines, we’ll help you find the right welding glove for the job.
First, know your application:
Then learn about what goes into our gloves:
*Gloves categorized under TIG/MIG/STICK are suggestions. Please ensure you are wearing the correct glove for the job and reach out to our Hand Protection Specialists for more information.
KNOW YOUR APPLICATION
Finding the right welding glove starts with understanding your welding application. The three main welding processes—MIG, TIG, and Stick—each have unique requirements based on the demands of the job. Choosing a glove made for your welding type will help ensure both safety and performance. Here’s a closer look:
Welding Processes
TIG
LOWEST HEAT EMITTED
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is an arc welding process that produces a weld with a non-consumable tungsten electrode. It requires a high level of detail and precision for beading. Gloves used in this application need great dexterity, are unlined as less heat is emitted and are often made from deer or goatskin leather.
SEE TIG APPLICATIONS
TIG welding is great for welding thinner metals (up to 5mm) because the process doesn’t reach high temperatures and won’t burn through like Stick will.
This welding technique produces a high-quality weld because it allows the welder greater control over the surface area. TIG is much slower since welders cannot move the weld pool and cannot supply ller rods as quickly as they can in MIG welding. Also, it requires a high level of detail, which can slow the process down.
MIG
MID TO HIGH HEAT EMITTED
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding is an arc welding process that uses a continuous solid wire electrode heated and fed into the weld pool from a welding gun. MIG workers operate welding guns with a trigger so gloves used in this application need to have a bit of dexterity. They should also be lined, with a back patch, and are often made from elk or cowhide leather to protect from mid to high heat and splatter.
SEE MIG APPLICATIONS
Sheet metal welding, home improvement, automotive industry, fabrication work of pressure vessels and steel structures, heavy construction such as building bridges and welding of pipelines.
MIG welding is great for welding various thick metals (up to 40 mm) including aluminum, carbon steel, and stainless steel.
STICK
HIGH HEAT EMITTED WITH SPARKS AND SPLATTER
Flux shielded arc welding, or stick welding, is a process where the arc is struck between an electrode flux coated metal rod and the work piece. Both the rod and the surface of the work piece melt to create a weld. Gloves used in this application need to be made from heavyweight elk or cowhide leather and have additional features such as back patches and full sock liners to help protect from high heat and sparks.
SEE STICK APPLICATIONS
Stick welding is widely used for standard repairs and manufacturing as it’s a durable, cost-effective method for beginners and experienced welders. Stick welding is great for welding thicker metals and not advised for thin metals as it’s so hot it will burn through.
SEE TIG APPLICATIONS
TIG welding is great for welding thinner metals (up to 5mm) because the process doesn’t reach high temperatures and won’t burn through like Stick will.
This welding technique produces a high-quality weld because it allows the welder greater control over the surface area. TIG is much slower since welders cannot move the weld pool and cannot supply ller rods as quickly as they can in MIG welding. Also, it requires a high level of detail, which can slow the process down.
SEE MIG APPLICATIONS
Sheet metal welding, home improvement, automotive industry, fabrication work of pressure vessels and steel structures, heavy construction such as building bridges and welding of pipelines.
MIG welding is great for welding various thick metals (up to 40 mm) including aluminum, carbon steel, and stainless steel.
SEE STICK APPLICATIONS
Stick welding is widely used for standard repairs and manufacturing as it’s a durable, cost-effective method for beginners and experienced welders. Stick welding is great for welding thicker metals and not advised for thin metals as it’s so hot it will burn through.
Some welding gloves can be used for multiple welding processes. MIG and Stick welding types produce high levels of heat, so you’ll want a thicker glove for added protection and durability. Not every MIG glove is suitable for Stick and not every Stick glove is suitable for MIG, ensure you check the glove ratings and the hazards.
Since TIG welding requires high dexterity for precision, TIG welders often prefer thinner gloves. While MIG gloves can also be used for TIG, TIG gloves aren’t suitable for Mig welding because they typically offer less heat protection, ensure you check the glove ratings and the hazards.
KNOW YOUR HAZARDS
When welding, it’s important to be aware of the hazards hands may encounter. Understanding these hazards and knowing the available solutions will help to keep hands safe on the job.
Heat: Many welding applications generate high heat, so it’s important to know the heat levels in your specific application and the duration of hand exposure. Many gloves are tested for conductive heat resistance under the ASTM F1060-08 standard, which uses a numbered rating system to indicate heat protection levels.
Cuts: Is the wearer handling sharp tools or materials such as metal cuttings and shavings, slag and welding spatter, scrap metal pieces, metal chips and burrs, welding rods, wire brushes, chisels and punches, etc. If so then the glove’s cut resistance should be considered, the ANSI cut-resistant rating is a numbered rating, from A1 to A9 with 1 being the least cut-resistant.
Abrasion: Is the wearer’s hands exposed to repetitive friction against various materials such as rough or rusted metal surfaces, metal spatter and slag, metal fittings and components, handling welding equipment and cables, etc. If so then the glove’s abrasion resistance should be considered. The ANSI abrasion resistant rating is a numbered rating, from 1 to 6 with 1 being the least abrasion resistance.
Exposure to Cold Temperatures: Welders often face tough conditions in cold weather, which brings specific risks for hand protection. Cold can reduce dexterity, making it harder to grip tools and handle materials safely. It also increases fatigue, as the body uses more energy to stay warm. Frostbite and hypothermia become real concerns with prolonged exposure, especially with wind or wet conditions.
Fit, Comfort & Job-Specific Needs
Finally, it’s time for you to evaluate fit, comfort and job-specific needs. Start with the basics, like selecting the correct hand size. Watson Gloves offers a range of sizes, including welding gloves made for a woman’s hand for added comfort and fit.
Consider these factors:
Comfort: If you’re on the job for long hours, look for gloves that offer that extra comfort and fit.
Dexterity: When working with small parts or requiring precise control, choose gloves that balance dexterity with protection.
Durability: For work involving high heat, and heavy-duty applications where flexibility isn’t essential, choose gloves built to withstand tough conditions with features like reinforced seams, hard-wearing leather, and Kevlar stitching.
Extra Coverage: For added protection against hazards on exposed skin, specifically the forearm and wrist, consider gloves with extended cuff coverage.
WHAT GOES INTO OUR GLOVES?
With a solid understanding of the specific needs for welding applications, you can make a more informed decision when selecting the right welding glove. Now, it’s time to dive into what goes into our gloves. Review the leather types, glove designs, materials, features, and linings below to find the perfect match for the protection and performance you need on the job.
LEATHER
Elkskin
Elkskin leather is highly resistant to heat, flames, and abrasion, all while offering exceptional comfort. It comes in thicker cuts, making it ideal to use to make gloves for Stick and MIG welding in high-heat applications. Elkskin is chosen for its durability, comfort, and dexterity. It effectively resists heat while remaining soft, avoiding the stiffness that can lead to discomfort.
Key Features:
- Excellent heat resistance
- Naturally resistant to oils and moisture
- Maintains softness and flexibility even after exposure to high heat and moisture
- Most sought-after leather for welding gloves
- Perfect for Stick and MIG welding applications
Cowhide
Cowhide leather is renowned for its durability and resistance to heat and flames, making it suitable for high-temperature welding. It offers an excellent balance of strength, dexterity, abrasion resistance, and comfort. Many MIG welding gloves are crafted from top-grain cowhide or cowsplit leather. Cowhide is one of the most popular choices for welding gloves due to its versatility and range of grades and grains available.
Key Features:
- Highly versatile with various grades and grains makes it popular for welding gloves
- Split cowhide leather provides exceptional heat resistance
- Ideal for Stick and MIG welding
Deerskin
Deerskin leather offers an incredibly comfortable fit and exceptional dexterity. Thick deerskin is effective at resisting high heat levels and has the advantage of molding to the shape of your hand over time, making it an excellent choice for gloves. Regarded as one of the best leathers for welding gloves where dexterity is crucial like Tig welding.
Key Features:
- Excellent dexterity with a superior tactile feel
- Remains flexible and soft after exposure to moisture, without cracking or stiffening
- Ideal for TIG welding and applications where precision is essential
Goatskin
Goatskin leather is a top choice for TIG welding gloves because of its low-heat application, as it can shrink under high-heat conditions. It is known for its comfort and dexterous properties and perfect for welding applications that need high tactile sensitivity like providing the flexibility needed to easily pick up and feed filler metal rods.
Key Features:
- Often referred to as nature’s strongest leather
- High tensile strength and excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Exceptional abrasion resistance
- Supple due to the natural lanolin produced by goats
- Provides high dexterity
- Ideal for TIG welding applications
Full-Grain vs. Split-Grain
After determining the right type of leather, consider the grain type, as it’s equally essential in making your choice. Full-grain leather which comes from the hide’s top layer, and split-grain leather, which includes all the grain from the hide except the outermost layer, each offer different strengths and characteristics. Read on to learn more about how these options can impact the performance and durability of your gloves.
Full-grain The outer smooth surface of the hide. Provides excellent dexterity, abrasion resistance, and water and oil repellency.
Split-grain The internal side of the hide. It provides excellent durability and abrasion resistance but is generally weaker than full-grain. It does however have great resistance to heat and flame and is more economical.
DESIGNS
Gunn Cut: This durable design provides better wear and comfort, especially for heavier gloves. This is the standard construction for leather gloves, featuring the benefits of a single-piece seamless back and the finer seams set further away from the working area of the palm.
Clute Cut: This comfortable glove style keeps the palm free of stitching. The palm and all four fingers are cut from one piece of leather and on the back side, each finger is a separate piece of leather.
Wing Thumb: The angled construction allows good flexibility with no seams on the palm side to obstruct work or cause fatigue.
Straight Thumb: A glove thumb that normally lies straight with the index finger.
FEATURES
Welted Seams: A thin piece of leather sewn into the seam to strengthen it and protect from sparks. Often a welt is used in the seam at the crotch of the thumb and the base of the fingers.
Kevlar®: Kevlar® is five times stronger than steel, yet, it is lightweight, flexible, and comfortable. It is resistant to chemicals, heat, flames, cuts, and breaking. Kevlar® thread is used in many of the Watson glove styles.
Gauntlet: A longer cuff to protect the forearms. Standard length is 5”.
Leather Gore: Triangular piece of leather added to gauntlet cuffs to accommodate covering clothing.
Thumb Strap: Leather reinforcement added to the thumb crotch area of the glove to protect this critical wear area.
Pulse Protector: Leather reinforcement added for protection to the inside wrist area of the glove.
Back Patches: Additional leather piece sewn on the back of gloves for added protection.
Aluminized: A thin film of aluminum is bonded to the leather giving it a heat-reflective quality.
LININGS
3M Thinsulate™: Designed by 3M, Thinsulate™ is regarded as state-of-the-art technology in insulation. The fibers are fine, making them ideal for trapping insulating air and reflecting back the body’s radiant heat. Thinsulate™ insulation provides more warmth with less bulk.
Foam: Polyurethane foam core with a cotton fleece overlay, provides moderate quick drying and comfortable insulation.
Fleece: A lightweight 100% cotton provides insulation and excellent dexterity.
Full Sock: P-aramid cut-resistant lining also provides heat resistance.
Now you know what goes into making a leather glove! Here’s a quick checklist summarizing everything we’ve covered, so you can easily recall the key factors to consider before choosing the right welding glove.
Welding Glove Checklist
Know your application – Is the application MIG welding, Stick welding, TIG welding or are you doing a hybrid of MIG/stick or MIG/TIG?
Know your hazards – Will there be cut hazards, abrasion hazards, or high heat hazards? Will the wearer be working outside or in the cold?
Fit – Don’t forget hand size! From small hands to big hands, there are welding gloves for all hand sizes.
Job-Specific Needs – Does the job require durability, dexterity, or extra comfort? What about extra forearm protection?
Leather – Decide which leather type is best suited for the job; elkskin, cowhide, or deerskin. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Leather Grain – Choose between full-grain or split-grain leather as each offers different benefits.
Glove Design – Each glove design offers different levels of comfort, fit, and flexibility.
Glove Features – Look for glove features that address specific welding requirements.
Linings – Consider an insulated welding glove, can it protect hands from cold or heat.
Popular Styles:
1039 Meltdown
1039
Meltdown
Made for Mig/Stick Welding Elksplit leather back and palm Stitched with Kevlar® thread for strength and durability Cotton fleece lined… Read more »
533 Black Velvet
533
Black Velvet
Made for Mig/Stick Welding Durable elksplit leather back with full-grain reverse palm offers heat protection Stitched with Kevlar® thread for… Read more »
531 Woman’s Iron Maiden
531
Woman’s Iron Maiden
Made for Mig Welding Durable elksplit leather back and palm offers heat protection Stitched with Kevlar® thread Elksplit leather inset… Read more »
2752 Yellow Tail
2752
Yellow Tail
Made for Mig/Tig Welding Full-grain deerskin leather palm Split cowhide leather back Foam lined back Gunn cut design with wing… Read more »
2755 Tigger
2755
Tigger
Made for Tig Welding Split deerskin leather Clute cut design with straight thumb Leather reinforced thumb saddle Pulse protector Stitched… Read more »
1034 Wopper
1034
Wopper
Made for Mig/Stick Welding Lightweight split cowhide leather palm Split cowhide back Cotton fleece lined back Gunn cut design with… Read more »
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