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Whether you utilize MIG, TIG or Stick welding techniques, see the 7 top-rated welding gloves below. You can also learn about what to look for in excellent quality welding gloves in How To Choose The Best Welding Gloves For You.
Best Welding Gloves
Miller Arc Armor MIG/Stick Welding Glove | Caiman 1878-5 Genuine American Deerskin Welding Glove | Lincoln Electric Roll Cage Welding/Rigging Gloves | |
---|---|---|---|
Designed | Premium Kevlar stitching | Designed for overhead, stick, and plasma welding | Impact, heat, and cut protection |
Comfort | Hand-fitting with excellent dexterity | Kontour form-fitting design | Great dexterity and comfort |
Special Features | Inner and outer lining | One-size-fits-all design | Silicone impact protection |
Customer Ratings | 4.4 / 5.0 Stars | 4.4 / 5.0 Stars | 4.3 / 5.0 Stars |
Also see: Welding Gloves Comparison Table
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Welding Gloves – [2021]
- Miller Arc Armor MIG/Stick Welding Glove
- Caiman 1878-5 Genuine American Deerskin Welding Glove
- Lincoln Electric Roll Cage Welding/Rigging Gloves
- Steiner Welding Gloves
- Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves
- RAPICCA Leather Forge Welding Gloves
- KIM YUAN Heat Resistant Welding Gloves
Best Welding Gloves Reviews
#1 – Miller Arc Armor MIG/Stick Welding Glove
- Premium Kevlar stitching
- Inner and outer lining
- Cowhide and pig hide grain leather
- Hand-fitting with excellent dexterity
- Multiple sizes available
These Miller welding gloves are designed primarily for MIG and stick welding, but they are comfortable enough to complete more heat-intensive arc welding and oxy-welding, as well.
They have two layers of insulation, guaranteeing that you will be cool and safe while completing your welding tasks. Going a step further, the palms are reinforced with additional patches, increasing not only the comfort of the glove but the longevity.
The increased insulation and extra reinforcement of the palm does not take away from the form-fitting design or the overall dexterity and feel of the glove.
With the ability to purchase different sizes of this particular model, along with all of the other benefits and features, the Miller gloves are arguably the best welding gloves you can find on the market at their price point, and should not be overlooked.
They are durable, well-constructed, and comfortable – making your welding jobs much more enjoyable and notably safer than they would be otherwise.
#2 – Caiman 1878-5 Genuine American Deerskin Welding Glove
- Designed for overhead, stick, and plasma welding
- One-size-fits-all design
- Dear split palm and boar hide heat shield
- Kontour form-fitting design
- 21-Inch glove, a first in the industry
Even breaking a standard, Caiman has made sure to put out one of the best stick welding gloves on the market, ones designed to handle overhead and plasma welding also.
Caiman’s Kontour line also offers unprecedented comfort. The gloves match the natural curvature of the hand for a comfortable, secure fit every time.
They feature a large reinforced, leather pulse patch that will protect your wrist from any undue stress or damage from working.
Reinforcements in the deer split palm promise to extend the longevity of the glove itself and is sewn along the natural crease of the palm to ensure comfort.
Despite being a little heavier than some other welding gloves, the Caiman 1878-5s are well worth your time to try out.
Between the comfort of the high-quality materials and the design itself, they are considered one of the best welding gloves on the market today.
#3 – Lincoln Electric Roll Cage Welding/Rigging Gloves
- Impact, heat, and cut protection
- Great dexterity and comfort
- Silicone impact protection
- Velcro cuff for a secure fit
- Stylish
These are multipurpose gloves, used for marine rigging, construction, and especially welding. The Lincoln welding gloves are designed with functionality and protection in mind, and it accomplishes both with flying colors.
With silicone impact protection across the knuckles, reinforced leather and cut resistant padding across the palm, and heat resistance not only in the glove but in the wrist guard as well, it is arguably one of the safest gloves out there.
If a top-quality wrist glove is something you’re looking for, these gloves are something that many consumers would put at the top of their list of recommendations.
#4 – Steiner Welding Gloves
- Extra-long welding gauntlet and glove for maximum protection
- High heat resistance and flame-resistant Kevlar
- Full cotton lining
- Reinforced thumb strap
- Shoulder split cowhide material
The cowhide leather provides comfort and dexterity from fingertip to elbow in most fits. They are a little on the heavy side due to their size and coverage, but you will not lose any flexibility or precision as a result.
The cotton lining provides cool comfort while you work, and the flame-resistant materials prevent any accidental burns or discomfort from the heat of your welding projects.
With its extra length, you will not have to worry about anything besides what you’re working on, whether it be welding or tending a fire or wood stove.
#5 – Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves
- High-grade leather with great heat resistance
- Leather reinforced stress points
- Moisture absorbent cuff
- Heat resistant cotton liner
- Leather thumb strap
The cotton interior and lining absorbs moisture, keeping your hands cool and comfortable while you get your tasks done safely and comfortably.
As with the Lincoln welding/rigging gloves that were higher on the list, you can count on a quality, durable product with these gloves.
The split cowhide leather glove is sewn together with high strength Kevlar thread, and all of the seams are reinforced with leather welts to further prevent rips or tears.
This fit is fantastic, giving you consistent, quality functionality without sacrificing style or durability. Additionally, with the straight thumb design and leather thumb strap, you get enhanced comfort for jobs that take a little extra time and effort to complete.
This is arguably the best MIG welding glove you can purchase, with a company that fully backs their product and works hard to make sure that their customers are as happy as they are safe.
#6 – RAPICCA Leather Forge Welding Gloves
- Soft and sweat-absorbent
- Durable double layers
- Flame resistant
- Withstands high temperatures
For the price point, that alone is an impressive feat that makes most people want to check the RAPICCA welding gloves out for themselves.
The hygroscopic cotton lining on the inside of the double leather glove is not only comfortable, but it absorbs any sweat that enters the gloves.
The entire glove is stitched together with Kevlar heat resistant thread, and at a comforting 16-inches long, you won’t have to worry about accidentally skinning or burning your forearm.
#7 – KIM YUAN Heat Resistant Welding Gloves
- Soft and adaptable
- Great heat protection
- Breathable
- Lightweight
As a bonus, Kim Yuan’s customers can enjoy up to 90 days before deciding whether or not they genuinely love the product, and the company will do everything in their power to make it right if you don’t.
Made from 100% high-quality split cow leather, these gloves are comfortable as well as durable. The leather is cut and sewn thickly, guaranteeing safety, but not sacrificing flexibility.
In addition to being flame and heat resistant, the gloves are also mildly oil-resistant, puncture-resistant, and cut resistant.
With all of the features of these gloves, the price remains lower than most, so you get more than your money’s worth when you purchase these welding gloves.
Welding Gloves Comparison Table
Designed | Comfort | Special Features | Customer Ratings | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Miller Arc Armor MIG/Stick Welding Glove | Premium Kevlar stitching | Hand-fitting with excellent dexterity | Inner and outer lining | 4.4 / 5.0 Stars | |
Caiman 1878-5 Genuine American Deerskin Welding Glove | Designed for overhead, stick, and plasma welding | Kontour form-fitting design | One-size-fits-all design | 4.4 / 5.0 Stars | |
Lincoln Electric Roll Cage Welding/Rigging Gloves | Impact, heat, and cut protection | Great dexterity and comfort | Silicone impact protection | 4.3 / 5.0 Stars | |
Steiner Welding Gloves | Extra-long welding gauntlet and glove for maximum protection | Full cotton lining | High heat resistance and flame-resistant Kevlar | 4.4 / 5.0 Stars | |
Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves | High-grade leather with great heat resistance | Heat resistant cotton liner | Leather reinforced stress points | 4.4 / 5.0 Stars | |
RAPICCA Leather Forge Welding Gloves | Soft and sweat-absorbent | Durable double layers | Withstands high temperatures | 4.5 / 5.0 Stars | |
KIM YUAN Heat Resistant Welding Gloves | Soft and adaptable | Breathable | Great heat protection | 4.5 / 5.0 Stars |
How To Choose The Best Welding Gloves For You
If you happen to be a welder, or plan to become one, one of the most important things to keep in mind is safety.
You will primarily be working with your hands at almost every step of the way, so you should invest in excellent, quality welding gloves to protect you from the extreme heat, hazardous conditions, and serious accidents that you may encounter.
When you consider what you would be risking by not having a dependable pair of welding gloves, it makes sense to not only invest in the protective equipment, but to understand what you intend to buy and use, the proper reasons and ways to use them, and how they stack up when compared to similar products.
Welding Types
First, you need to determine what kind of welding project you plan on doing. Are you stick welding, TIG, or MIG welding? Different gloves are made with different purposes in mind, and while many are multipurpose or can handle crossing into different tasks and covering different needs, it is still a better idea to plan for specifics than not to plan at all.
MIG Welding
With MIG welding, sometimes referred to as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), the welder will use electricity to attach the metal being worked between the metal and the electrode.
MIG welding is less precise than TIG welding but still performs excellently in the long run.
MIG welding gloves are typically made of cowhide, pigskin, or deer hide. These gloves are manufactured with maximum protection in mind, which has a common trade-off of less dexterity.
TIG Welding
Tungsten Inert Gas, or TIG, welding is highly technical, and therefore less commonplace than MIG welding. This form of welding requires more precision, dexterity, and finger sensitivity, so keep that in mind when purchasing protective equipment.
TIG welding gloves are typically made of goatskin, cowhide, elk hide, or pigskin. They are typically less bulky and more breathable and flexible than MIG gloves due to the nature of the weld.
Stick Welding
Stick welding is a process of arc welding that uses welding sticks, otherwise called welding rods. It is also known as manual arc welding and is considered as a whole to be the most basic form of welding.
It is no less common or efficient than MIG welding, though it does sometimes lack precision.
Stick welding gloves are usually your most robust option, due to the lack of a need for precision and dexterity and the increased need for protection. Most often, these gloves are made of cowhide or elk hide.
Glove Materials
Another consideration should be the material used for the gloves themselves. Typically, most welding gloves on the market are made with one or a combination of the following leather types: cowhide, goatskin, or pigskin.
Not all gloves are made equal, and the reason for that is that different welding applications require different glove textures, features, and durability.
Cowhide
Cowhide is known for its indomitable durability, for example, and is readily available, meaning it’s the most common of the options for manufacturing welding gloves.
Goatskin
Goatskin is also highly durable while offering flexibility and increased fingertip sensitivity.
Pigskin
Pigskin is notable for its breathability, but tends to be less flexible and isn’t recommended for high-moisture environments.
You may also come across less common materials, like elk skin, horsehide, and deerskin. These all offer their unique benefits as well. Knowing the job you intend to take on is key in knowing what material will suit your needs.
Going hand-in-hand with choosing a material to work with, is knowing what kind of dexterity requirements you will need the gloves to meet.
The level of dexterity you need changes with the task at hand. Many welding and cutting jobs require high levels of dexterity, and being able to have natural flexibility and moving your hand comfortably and accurately is highly important to efficiently perform the work you are going to be doing.
Welding Gloves Safety Features
Other things to keep in mind when choosing your gloves are:
- Durability and longevity are important in knowing how much wear and tear the gloves can take, and for how long.
- Electrical insulation will keep you from being electrocuted while you work, a very real occupational hazard.
- Moisture resistance and the ability to keep your hands dry are not just about comfort when you work with extreme heat and electricity.
- Heat insulation and resistance are important in preventing burn welts, sunburn, and other types of heat damage to your skin.
- Comfort, size, and fit are important to keep in mind so that you are not uncomfortable while you work.
- Puncture, cut, and tear resistance are important, as they are not always included as a feature despite the likelihood that you will be working with jagged or sharp metal.
- Flexibility concerning range of motion is key in some projects, but not others; however, it is always nice to be able to move comfortably in an otherwise stressful environment.
It is, above all, important to choose a glove that suits your welding environment and project to the best of its capability.
FAQs About Welding Gloves
What are welding gloves?
Welding gloves, as the term implies, are gloves that professionals and hobbyists use while they are welding. If they are of good quality, they are heat and moisture resistant, insulated from electricity, and durable.
Welding gloves have to not only be protective but need to be comfortable, flexible, and generally functional.
Keep in mind that welding without the use of gloves or other personal protective equipment is extraordinarily dangerous.
While welding, depending on the job, you will be working at and with extreme temperatures, and face hazards such as UV radiation, electrical and heat sparks, sharp edges, molten metal or flux, and more.
While welding without gloves at all is undoubtedly the most dangerous scenario, welding without the proper gloves can be almost, if not equally, as dangerous. Always make sure you have the proper equipment for the job.
What are the benefits of owning welding gloves?
Whether you happen to be a professional or a hobbyist welder, there are undeniable benefits to owning a pair of welding gloves, apart from the ones any company or contractor you may be working with might offer for use.
The most obvious benefit is your protection – it is incredibly easy for someone to be burned, electrocuted, or worse while welding. The gloves are a thick, protective barrier that prevents such hazards.
The benefits do not end with actual welding, though. Many people that purchase welding gloves do not, and have not ever, welded before in their lives.
People purchase the gloves to protect from animal bites, such as from snakes or birds, as well as buying them for heavy manual labor to protect their skin from biting metal or wood.
You do not need to be a professional welder to own a pair of welding gloves.
Who should be using welding gloves, and what types?
Any time you find yourself working on or with something dangerous, you should choose the proper protective equipment to get the task at hand completed.
However, almost anyone could have a use for welding gloves, so long as they educate themselves on the different kinds, from material to function, before making a purchase. A professional may own several pairs of gloves tailored to any number of tasks they might regularly perform.
Hobbyists, on the other hand, may only purchase one or two kinds of gloves, especially if they only perform one or two types of welds regularly.
If you do not weld at all, you may just be looking for something comfortable to work or accomplish a variety of needs and can choose gloves that do not have to adhere to any specific task.
It boils down to what tasks you have in mind to determine which type of glove you will require.
Do you need a welding sleeve if you use gloves?
Welding gloves are not all-encompassing in their ability to make your task safe. Often, you will need to use other forms of equipment.
Regardless of how high up the cuff or gauntlet of your welding glove goes, it is never a bad idea to invest in and utilize a welding sleeve to further protect your arms from any heat, electricity, or any other hazards you come across.
Welding sleeves are additional personal protective equipment and, like the glove counterparts they supplement, come in a variety of materials chosen and designed to protect you, no matter your skill level.
From flame retardant fabric to fireproof leather, the material should be thick enough to withstand any splatters or splashes. It should be as comfortable as the gloves you choose, and have enough flexibility to give you a nice, free range of motion.
What material glove is best for TIG, MIG, and Stick welding?
There are three main types of welding, and all have different needs and requirements to understand to purchase gloves, equipment, or even practicing the specific weld type.
Before you learn what glove type works best with what form of welding, you need to know what type of welding you intend to shop for.
Welding Gloves Buyer’s Tips
While our list here makes fantastic recommendations, it is by no means all-inclusive of every great welding glove on the market.
There are many more fantastic options, tailored to the specific needs of both the wearer and the project they are needed for.
As a consumer, you should always do your research on the products you intend to purchase, especially when buying something as necessary to occupational safety as welding gloves.
Welding gloves can run a respectable price range, so always shop around. Compare prices to quality and features of the gloves, and never settle for anything that you are not completely comfortable with.
Amazon, typically, has great prices with options for free or next-day shipping and sometimes will offer deals and bundles that you may be surprised to find also fit your needs.
Keep in mind that you will want to also research any items suggested with the bundle to be sure that they’re as functional and, overall, a proper fit for your needs just as the gloves are.
All of the equipment you invest in needs to adequately protect you while you work.
Something else to keep in mind to check the quality of customer service by the company and manufacturer you intend to purchase from.
Ideally, your gloves will arrive in perfect condition and perform to expectations, perhaps even beyond, but if either of these is not the case you need to be prepared ahead of time.
Make sure that not only the product has stunning reviews, but also the customer service team that you may need to contact.
Warranties are also fantastic to keep in mind. If your gloves buckle under the pressure of what you intend to use them for, or they arrive damaged before you even get to use them, a warranty can protect you and your purchase as a customer.
While there may not be long-term warranties like you tend to see with some appliances or other products, you should expect one to cover the welding gloves in the event of failure or deterioration under normal circumstances.
Make sure you follow the guidelines and suggested use by the manufacturer to be sure that you don’t accidentally void out any existing warranty.
How We Researched
To come up with the top welding gloves, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Home Depot, Lowes, Target and AcmeTools along with our own personal experience.
We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.
With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in yard maintenance and home repairs.
The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from landscapers, bloggers and contractors.
After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.