We know that welding can pose dangers to your hands if proper precautions are not taken. Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to guard your hands is a given when it comes to ways to minimize the risk of injury.
We decided to create a guide of the best welding glove on the market in 2023 to help you to make an informed decision in taking steps to protect your hands.
Best Welding Gloves of 2023:
The Endura® 505GP welding gloves by Superior are made from high-quality goatskin leather for durability and toughness as well as excellent comfort and dexterity. With ANSI Level 3 heat resistance up to 200°C / 392°F, these versatile, spark resistant MIG welding gloves are tough enough for stick welding, while remaining flexible enough for material handling.
Designed specifically with MIG welding in mind, the Endura 398OBPBRH gloves by Superior feature Punkban for ASTM Level 5 hypodermic puncture protection on the thumb and index finger to guard against common welding wire injuries. These gloves also achieve an ANSI Level 4 heat rating and feature a lining made with DuPont Kevlar fiber for 360° cut resistance with ANSI Level A4 cut protection. A 5″ gauntlet cuff provides a wider area of coverage with comfortable cushioned wrists. Black goatskin leather hides grease and oil stains.
These stick welding gloves by Superior Glove feature extra-long gauntlets for added heat and spark protection, and are lined with DuPont Kevlar fiber for 360° ANSI Level A5 cut protection, ANSI Level 5 puncture resistance, and ANSI Level 2 heat resistance. Made with durable cowhide and featuring one-piece backs and wide thumb straps with split patches, the Endura 505KGWS gloves also have seams sewn with Kevlar thread for added strength.
Superior Glove Endura Cuff Gotatskin Work Gloves (399GKGL5)
Our Superior 399GKGL5 white drivers-style glove is made of lightweight and soft goat-grain leather and fully lined with a blend of ASTM cut-level 4 Kevlar and composite filament fiber. The cut-and-sewn liner is easy to put on, thanks to the fine tailoring of the Endura 399GKGL5 by Superior. It also features an extended gauntlet cuff for added protection in a critical area.
The Endura 365HBR welding gloves by Superior are constructed from durable horsehide and feature 4" cowhide gauntlets that protect the wrists. They offer a high level of protection while still allowing for precise movement. They also provide heat resistance up to 140°C/284°F. Additionally, the seams are reinforced with Kevlar thread for added integrity, increasing resistance to sparks and prolonging their lifespan.
What are Welding Gloves?
Welding gloves are a type of protective gear worn by welders to protect hands from the heat, sparks, and spatter generated by the welding process. They are typically made from materials such as leather or synthetic materials that are heat-resistant and durable. Welding gloves often have a long cuff to protect wrists and forearms as well. They come in different thicknesses and styles to suit different types of welding.
They are designed to be flexible and comfortable to wear, while providing the necessary level of protection required for the specific welding process. Welding gloves are important personal protective equipment for welding as they help to prevent burns, cuts, and other injuries to your hands.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Welding Gloves
When choosing the best welding gloves, it is important to consider the type of welding that will be done. Different welding processes require different levels of protection, so you will want to select gloves that are suitable for the specific process being used. For example, gloves used for TIG welding will need to be thinner and more flexible to allow for greater dexterity, while gloves used for MIG welding will need to be thicker and more heat-resistant.
TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The electrode is shielded from the atmosphere by an inert gas, typically argon or helium. The weld is created by heating the metal with an electric arc that is struck between the electrode and the workpiece. TIG welding is a precise method of welding often used for thin materials and for welding dissimilar metals or for welding in tight spaces. It also allows for the welder to have better control over the heat input and the weld puddle, which results in a cleaner, more precise weld.
MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), uses a wire electrode that is fed through a welding gun and into the weld pool. The electrode is shielded by an inert gas, typically argon, helium, or a mix of both. The weld is created by heating the metal with an electric arc that is struck between the electrode and the workpiece. The electrode melts and becomes part of the weld pool. MIG welding is a semi-automatic or automatic process that is commonly used for welding mild steel and aluminum. It is a fast, efficient, and versatile welding process that produces a clean and consistent weld. It can be used for welding in all positions and is suitable for welding of thicker materials.
We think another important consideration when choosing welding gloves is the material they are made from. Leather is a popular choice since it is durable and provides good protection from heat, sparks, and spatter. However, some newer synthetic materials are also becoming more popular due to their increased heat resistance and durability.
It's critical that your gloves fit snugly and comfortably to ensure movement is not restricted to avoid accidents or injuries.
Three key considerations when selecting the right welding gloves for you are:
1. Heat resistance: Welding involves the use of high temperatures. It's essential your gloves provide adequate heat resistance. Look for gloves made from materials such as leather or other heat-resistant fabrics that can withstand high temperatures and provide protection against sparks and hot metal.
2. Durability: Welding can be a tough and demanding job. Select gloves that are durable enough to withstand the rigors of the job. Look for gloves with reinforced fingertips, knuckle guards, and other features that provide added protection and help to prolong the life of your gloves.
3. Comfort: Welding gloves need to fit snugly and allow for a good range of movement so you can work comfortably and efficiently. Look for gloves with a good balance of insulation, breathability, and flexibility. Wool or cotton lining can provide comfort and breathability and also help with insulation.
Welding Process
It’s important to understand that the welding process involves using heat, pressure, or a combination of both to join two or more metal parts together. Heat can be generated by an electric arc, gas flame, or other means, and the pressure is typically applied using a hammer or press.
Below, we’ve broken the basic process of welding into several steps:
1. Preparation: This includes cleaning the metal surfaces to be welded, removing any rust, paint, or other contaminants, and properly aligning the parts to be welded.
2. Setup: This includes selecting the appropriate welding machine, selecting the correct type of welding rod or wire, and ensuring all safety equipment, such as eye protection and welding gloves, is in place.
3. Welding: This is the process of applying heat and pressure to join the metal parts together.
4. Cooling: After the welding is complete, the metal needs to cool down before the joint can be inspected and any additional work can be done.
5. Inspection: The welded joint is inspected for defects and strength, to ensure it meets the necessary safety and quality standards.
The process can vary depending on the type of welding, such as MIG, TIG, Stick, etc. But the basic principles remain the same.
Welding Glove Materials
Typical welding glove materials include leather, which can be made from cowhide, pigskin, or deerhide, and synthetic materials such as aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar) and other heat-resistant fabrics. These materials are chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures and provide protection against sparks and hot metal. Some welding gloves also have reinforced fingertips, knuckle guards, and other features to provide additional protection to the hands and wrists.
Heat Resistance
Heat resistance is important when selecting welding gloves because welding involves the use of high temperatures that can reach up to 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Without heat resistance, the gloves would catch on fire or melt, leaving your hands exposed to serious burns. Gloves that are not heat resistant will not be able to provide adequate protection against the hot metal and sparks that are generated during the welding process. Materials like leather, synthetic materials, and aramid fibers are good heat resistant materials for welding gloves.
We recommend leather as a good material for heat resistance in welding gloves because it has a high ignition point and is naturally flame-resistant. The natural fibers in leather are tightly packed together, which makes it difficult for heat and sparks to penetrate. Additionally, leather has good insulation properties, which help to protect your hands from heat and hot metal. It also has a high abrasion resistance which helps to prolong the life of your gloves. Another advantage of leather is that it is also naturally breathable, which can help to keep your hands cool and comfortable during use.
H3 Stitching and Insulation
Stitching and insulation are important in welding gloves for several reasons. We break it down for you right here:
Stitching:
- Reinforces your gloves and helps to keep them from falling apart.
- Keeps heat from penetrating your gloves at the seams, preventing burns.
- Flame-resistant thread is often used (e.g., Kevlar), providing additional protection against fire and heat.
Insulation:
- Insulation helps to keep your hands warm and protected from welding-generated heat.
- Insulation materials such as wool or cotton are often used in welding gloves, which are known for their insulation properties.
- Insulation also helps to protect your hands from hot metal and sparks, which can cause serious burns.
- Insulation can also help to reduce the chances of heat-related injuries such as heat stroke, by providing a barrier against the heat and allowing your body to cool down.
By providing added protection, insulation and stitching the life of your gloves is prolonged and, most importantly, makes the welding process much safer.
Size
Welding gloves should fit snugly but not be too tight, allowing you to move your fingers freely. A good rule of thumb is to measure your hand at its widest point (around the knuckles) and then add about 0.5 inches to determine the appropriate glove size. It's important to note that different manufacturers may have slightly different sizing charts, so it's always a good idea to check the specific sizing guidelines for the gloves you're considering.
Gloves that are too big can be dangerous as they can easily get caught in machinery or equipment as well as making it difficult to grip and use tools. On the other hand, gloves that are too small can be constricting, causing discomfort and reducing dexterity.
Conclusion
We hope you have a better understanding now of how choosing the right welding glove can keep you safe by protecting your hands from burns, cuts, and sparks. It can also increase your productivity by providing a comfortable fit, allowing for better dexterity and control of your welding tools. Gloves made with heat-resistant materials can help to prolong the life of your glove, reducing the need for frequent replacement and minimizing downtime.
It's important to select a glove that is specifically designed for the type of welding being performed (MIG, TIG, stick etc.) and that meets industry safety standards.
Additional Resources:
FAQs
How often should I replace my welding gloves?
The frequency of replacement will depend on the amount of use and the level of wear and tear on the gloves. It's a good idea to inspect them regularly for any signs of damage or wear and replace them as needed.
Can I use regular gloves for welding?
No, regular gloves are not designed to withstand the heat and hazards associated with welding, and they will not provide the necessary protection for your hands.
Can I use welding gloves for other tasks?
While welding gloves can be used for other tasks that require heat protection, it's best to use gloves specifically designed for those tasks to ensure you have the appropriate level of protection.
What is the preferred material for welding gloves?
Leather made from materials such as elk skin, cowhide, deerskin, pigskin, and goatskin provide superior durability and protection compared to other materials. A good lining, like Kevlar, can also extend the life of your welding gloves. Many welders prefer goatskin due to its high tensile strength and resistance to abrasion. The Endura Goatskin Arc Flash & Cut-Resistant Driver Glove is fully lined with Kevlar for the added bonus of cut resistance.
How does ANSI influence welding equipment requirements?
The American Welding Society's codes, recommended practices, and guides are aligned with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines, including ANSI Z49.1-2012, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes. This is why all Kevlar lined welding gloves are certified by ANSI.
Can you use Kevlar lined welding gloves for arc welding?
Yes. Thick leather welding gloves with Kevlar lining are recommended for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Tungsten Insert Gas (TIG), and Metal Insert Gas (MIG) among other types of welding that involve hot metal sparks and excessive heat to provide maximum heat and flame-resistant protection. The Endura Puncture Resistant Blended Kevlar Lined Goatskin MIG Welding Glove with right hand and left hand options is designed specifically for MIG welding and features ASTM Level 5 hypodermic puncture protection on the thumb and index finger.
How should welding gloves fit? What sizes are available?
In general, welding gloves should fit loosely over the hand allowing you the ability to remove your hand from the glove quickly in case a piece of hot metal were to get into the glove. An easy way to size your welding gloves is to measure around your hand above the V of the thumb which gives you the circumference in inches. Another option is to measure across and around the palm of your dominant hand with a tape measure. It's best to measure your hand and match it to the manufacturer's size chart.
