Last Updated on July 16, 2021 by Luis Ferency
You will put yourself in serious risk if you are welding without wearing gloves. Welders are exposed to extreme temperatures from which they need ample protection. As a professional welder, I am careful about protecting my hands from sparks, radiation, sharp metal edges, molten metal, heat, flame, electrical hazards, heat, and more with the best welding gloves.
You must select the right type of gloves for the job. Welding gloves are made specially to protect you from extreme temperatures and other dangers associated with the situation. I strongly advise against using just any old gardening gloves you have lying around the house for welding applications because it can be dangerous.
To help you find the right gloves for your welding needs, we have selected a variety of high-quality best welding gloves suited to different applications. Also, check out the buyer’s guide below for helpful consideration you should be mindful of when looking for welding gloves.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table for Best Stick Welding Gloves
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Top 5 Best Stick Welding Gloves Reviews
1. Caiman 1878-5 Welding Gloves
If you talk about the best stick welding gloves that I have ever tried, then Caiman 1878-5 Welding Gloves have to top the list. These 21-inch gloves are explicitly designed for overhead, plasma, and stick welding. Caiman 1878-5 protect your arm and forearm from compromising on comfort.
Most stick and overhead gloves are not flexible, but Caiman 1878-5 is hands-down the best stick welding gloves when it comes to flexibility. Although these gloves are on the pricier side; however, if you are looking for the top stick welding gloves and money is not an issue! Then, you should go for the Caiman 1878-5 Welding Gloves.
Pros
- Industry’s first 21-inch welding gloves
- Heavy-duty padding
- Comfortable and fits perfectly
- Specially design arm strap
- Extremely fireproof
Cons
- Not breathable
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2. Steiner 21923-L Welding Gloves
If you require more arm coverage than Caiman 1878-5, then Steiner 21923-L Welding Gloves would be the best stick welding gloves option for you. These gloves are made from heavy-duty materials, including shoulder split cowhide with a foam insulated back and full cotton lining.
The Steiner 21923-L Welding Gloves are highly versatile, and apart from the stick and overhead welding, you can also use these gloves for MIG and TIG welding. I highly recommend the mid-range for reliable protection against slags, spatters, and heat.
Pros
- Soft and flexible material
- Offers excellent resistance against extreme heat
- 23-Inch, perfect for full arm protection
- Fantastic for long term wear
- Made from heavy-duty materials
Cons
- Complains about the stitching quality
3. Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves
Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves are one of the best stick welding gloves under $15. No matter if you talk about the reliable protection against moderate heat or you talk about the superior comfort, or you discuss the attractive design – the Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves tick all the boxes.
Although, I have faced stitching issues as some stitches came undone after three months of regular use. However, for the price, the Lincoln Electric Traditional Welding Gloves offer quite an impressive performance and protection.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Reliable heat-resistance
- Superior comfort
- Offers excellent value for money
- Flexible and comfortable
Cons
- Sizing and stitching issues
- Not suitable for extreme heat
4. US Forge 403 Welding Glove
US Forge is amongst my most trusted brands for high quality and durable welding gloves that do not burn a hole in your pocket. The US Forge 403 is the best stick welding gloves because not only are they affordable, but they are highly fireproof, comfortable, and versatile.
If you are a professional welder, the US Forge 403 is an excellent option for you. Why? Because they are highly wear-resistant, so you would not need to replace these best stick welding gloves too often. The US Forge 403 comes with a 90-day warranty. Thus I confidently recommend these welding gloves to professionals and hobbyists.
Pros
- Reliable protection all the way up the forearm
- Fireproof and wear-resistant
- Highly versatile and comfortable to wear
- 90 days warranty
Cons
- Sizing issues
5. BSX Stick/MIG Welding Gloves
If you are a professional welder and you are in search of the best stick welding gloves that will provide you with optimal comfort and excellent protection throughout the long hours at work, then opt for BSX Stick/MIG Welding Gloves.
The BSX Stick/MIG Welding Gloves are ideal for horizontal and vertical welding needs, but not recommended for overhead welding. The only con of these gloves is the short length that may not be ideal for stick welding.
Pros
- CushionCore padded liner for optimum comfort
- Suitable for long time wear
- Incredible protection
- Good hand dexterity
Cons
- Short in length
Comparison Table for Best MIG Welding Gloves
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Top 5 Best MIG Welding Gloves Reviews
1. RAPICCA Leather Forge Welding Gloves
If you search for the best MIG welding gloves, then the RAPICCA Leather Forge Welding Gloves will surely impress you. I have tried several low priced MIG gloves, but none came up to the protection and performance of my all-time favourite RAPICCA Leather Forge Welding Gloves.
These best MIG gloves are impressively comfortable to wear, sweat-resistant, and up to 932°F (500℃) heat resistant. What I love about the RAPICCA welding gloves is the 7.5 inches long sleeve that efficiently protects your forearms from sparks, grinding debris, welding sparks, hot coals, open flames, and hot steam.
Pros
- Reinforced double-layer Kevlar padding
- Incredible protection up to your forearms
- Sweat-absorbent
- Four-layer heat-resistant
Cons
- Average material quality and stitching
2. US Forge 400 Welding Gloves
The reason why I highly recommend the US Forge 400 Welding Gloves is that these best MIG welding gloves are impressive lightweight yet highly durable and robust. If you talk about heat protection, you will not be disappointed if you are looking for the best MIG welding gloves that offer moderate heat protection.
However, I wouldn’t recommend these gloves to you if you require protection against extreme heat. One of the best features of these welding gloves is the excellent hand dexterity that allows you to do intricate welding work without a hassle.
Pros
- The cotton lining ensures optimum comfort
- Soft material and longer length than standard gloves
- Excellent for long time wear
- Highly durable and strong
- Lightweight yet properly insulated
Cons
- Not recommended for overhead or stick welding
3. NKTM Leather Welding Gloves
If you wish to find the best MIG welding gloves at an affordable price, then NKTM Leather Welding Gloves are an excellent option. These welding gloves are made with Premium Cowhide Leather with cotton lining and canvas cuffs. Hence they offer ample heat resistance against moderate heat temperatures.
The NKTM Leather Welding Gloves are excellent for long time wear because they are both comfortable and flexible. NKTM Leather Welding Gloves are also incredibly versatile and can be used for home tasks.
Pros
- Made with Premium Cowhide Leather
- Breathable and sweat-resistant
- Excellent for extended hours wear
- Incredibly flexible
- Highly versatile
Cons
- Unreliable heat-resistance
4. Revco Industries BM88L BSX Welding Gloves
Revco Industries is popularly known for its best MIG welding gloves! Why? Because their gloves are highly affordable yet durable. When it comes to heat resistance, grip, insulation, and level of protection, the Revco Industries BM88L BSX Welding Gloves are one of my top favourites.
One of the reasons why I recommend these welding gloves is the size options. Yes! Revco Industries BM88L BSX Welding Gloves come in various sizes. Hence you do not have to adjust in the one-size-fits-all welding gloves.
Pros
- Easy to maintain
- Offers a high level of protection and good dexterity
- Properly insulated
- Heat-resistant
- Padded palm for excellent comfort
Cons
- Short length
5. WZQH 16 Inches Leather Forge Welding Gloves
WZQH 16 Inches Leather Forge Welding Gloves are amongst the best MIG welding gloves that I highly recommend for several reasons! What I love about these welding gloves is the incredible heat-resistant, reliable wear-resistance, and durable construction.
The incredible 16-Inch length of these best MIG welding gloves is another fantastic feature that at once convinced me to give these gloves a try. To my surprise, WZQH Welding Gloves impressed me after the very first use. On top of it all, the lifetime guarantee sealed the deal for me!
Pros
- Excellent heat resistance
- Reliable wear-resistant protection
- Durable construction
- Made with really tough materials
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Complains about sizing
Comparison Table for Best TIG Welding Gloves
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Top 5 Best TIG Welding Gloves Reviews
1. Lincoln Electric Grain Leather TIG Welding Gloves
The Lincoln Electric’s Grain Leather TIG Welding Gloves were able to impress me with their high dexterity without an internal lining. You will be able to feel the details of your TIG welding equipment thanks to the three-part Kevlar sewn fingers of these best TIG welding gloves.
The cut-proof material of the gloves will protect your hands from sharp metal fragments, as well as the added thumb patch that gives additional protection to your thumb. The 4-inch cuffs will keep your forearms and wrists safe from burns.
Unfortunately, these gloves are prone to easy staining, especially if you are working with steel. However, with clean TIG welding with stainless steel, you won’t have to worry about stains. Furthermore, these gloves cannot be used to touch hot metal for a long time.
Pros
- Superior comfort
- Grain leather exterior
- Excellent dexterity and comfortable feel
- Reliable construction
- Added durability with added thumb patch
- Incredible surrounding heat-resistant
Cons
- No direct-touch heat resistance
2. Caiman Goatskin TIG Welding Glove
The Caiman White Goatskin TIG gloves the best TIG welding gloves for a low budget, thanks to their incredible price. Although their low price Caiman has managed to maintain a high standard of craftsmanship. Manufactured out of goat grain leather and with no internal lining, these gloves are highly touch-sensitive which can be compared to some more expensive variants.
The split leather cuffs on these gloves are amply long and provide sufficient levels of heat protection to wrists and forearms, which are prone to burns. They lack direct touch heat protection and are stained easily. Nonetheless, if you use them correctly, I am confident that you will be adequately protected.
Pros
- Four-inch cuff length
- Good quality grain leather exterior
- Good hand dexterity
- Versatile and comfortable to wear
- Surrounding heat-resistant
- Cut-proof
Cons
- No direct-touch heat resistance
- Stain easily
3. Tillman Top Grain Gloves for TIG Welding
I like the Tillman 1338 gloves for their superior feel in places where it is needed the most for TIG welding. These gloves have been designed especially for TIG welding procedures, and they offer additional protection for areas that can burn easily burned or excessive wear occurs.
Their comfortable shape and practical design that exudes simplicity are ideal for TIG welding. They feature surrounding heat resistance but no direct-touch heat protection.
These are the best TIG welding gloves if you are looking for durability for a low price thanks to the Kevlar stitching.
If you are searching for low-priced gloves that are durable and have a sensitive touch, then the Tillman 1338 is your best bet.
Pros
- Four-inch split leather cuff
- Durable Kevlar stitching
- Good hand dexterity
- Three-part sewn fingers
- Added durability with added thumb patch
- Reliable heat-resistant
Cons
- No direct-touch heat resistance
- Stain easily
4. Revco T50 LG Tigster Tig Welding Gloves
The Revco T50 LG Tigster gloves might not be the best TIG welding gloves in the range, but they do have some redeemable features that give them the edge. The drag patch reinforcement allows you to slide your hands across the metal smoothly over and over again without excessive wear.
Additional features like the keystone thumb improve the movement of your thumbs, increasing dexterity. With no direct-touch resistance and goatskin and flameproof cotton exterior with additional lining, these gloves are suitable only for beginners and sadly lack the features necessary for extensive use.
Pros
- Goatskin and flameproof cotton exterior
- Durable and strong
- Highly dexterous
- Surrounding heat resistance
- Drag patch reinforcement
- Ergonomic keystone thumb
Cons
- No direct-touch heat resistance
- Short length cuffs
5. Endura Superior 370GFKLL TIG Welding Gloves
If you need the best TIG welding gloves that allow you to touch hot steel for a long length of time without causing burns and compromising dexterity the Endura’s 370GFKL Precision Arc gloves are the only ones for you.
The few drawbacks of these gloves are their lower comfort and lesser heat protection than most TIG gloves. However, they offer good dexterity and enough flexibility needed to feed well and accurately maneuver the torch. They cowhide cuffs are long enough to provide additional protection. They are also cut-proof.
Pros
- Strong goatskin leather exterior
- Durable Kevlar internal lining and stitching
- Cut-proof and puncture-resistant
- Excellent heat-resistance
Cons
- Average level dexterity
- Stain easily
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Welding Gloves
When you are searching for the best welding gloves, a few considerations must be kept in mind to ensure that you are choosing a high-quality variant that will serve you well.
Irrespective of the kind of welding gloves you buy, they should be:
- Heat resistance through ample insulation needed to weld safely
- Flame resistant
- Moisture resistant
- Free of holes with a good condition
Welding Glove Materials
The quality of materials used to manufacture gloves determines the level of protection they provide, their durability, and price. Generally, the best welding gloves are made using a combination of leather and fire-resistant fabrics.
The level of heat protection you require for your hands will decided what material should you go for. You will need more insulation for higher temperatures application. I understand that determining the right leather for your needs can be confusing due to the large variety of options available. You have to be heedful of the fact that different types of leather have various features, including heat resistance level, flexibility, and texture.
For a smooth, shiny finish go for grain leather, whereas split leather has a rougher surface. For protection from high heat, side-split cowhide, thick deerskin and elk skin preferred.
Cowhide
One of the most commonly found leathers in welding gloves is cowhide. Due to its durability, sturdiness, heat, and flame resistance, this is because it’s tough, durable, heat, and flame resistant manufacturers like to use it. Welders love cowhide leather for its comfort and insulation.
The only drawback of cow leather is its lack of dexterity, which makes it unsuitable for use in TIG gloves.
Pigskin
Pigskin’s marked characteristics are its toughness and flexibility. It offers oil and water resistance and dries quickly. Unfortunately, it lacks insulation needed for heat protection while welding.
Goatskin
Thanks to their high dexterity goatskin as it is a preferred and popular choice for TIG welding gloves. Goatskin gloves are durable and ideal for handing filler rods. They also offer superior comfort, flexibility, oil and weather resistance, and decent insulation while being lightweight.
Elkskin
Elkskin provides the best heat, flame, and abrasion resistance while being comfortable and hard-wearing, which makes them ideal for stick welding. With elkskin welding gloves, your hands will be protected from high heat and flame produced by stick welding.
Deerskin
Deerskin offers optimal comfort, great fit as well as high dexterity thanks to their ability to mold to the shape of your hand with time. Their sufficient level of heat protection makes them comparable to goatskin, and the right choice for TIG welding gloves.
Other Considerations
Stitching
When looking at welding gloves, the stitching should be an essential consideration. I suggest that you only select gloves with Kevlar stitching. The tread used in this particular type is more durable and heat resistant than cotton.
You will need heat resistance stitching for your gloves because it will protect your hands as well as prevent the gloves from falling apart because of exposure flame and sparks.
Welding gloves with Kelvar stitching offer durability and will last much longer. Additionally, gloves with welted fingers increase protection and durability.
Lining
Different materials are used to line welding gloves. Cotton lining offers better dexterity than wool, but wool has better heat resistance. Fleece lining provides comfort, but it is harder to take off, especially with sweaty hands.
Size
When looking at the size of the glove, consider the length of the cuff because they will protect your arm from the arc. Extra-long cuffs are ideal because they can be worn with t-shirts. Longer gloves will protect your hands, wrist, and forearms.
Dexterity
Flexible gloves will improve your grip and comfort. Dexterity is especially important for TIG welding gloves because it requires more skill and agility. Stick gloves lack dexterity due to their need for high insulation and better heat protection. For TIG welding, look for a balance of insulation and flexibility.
Price
In this article, I have shared with you a range of welding gloves in different price ranges except for the cheapest variants.
I believe that welding gloves under $10 compromise on quality for the low price. They are more likely to fall apart earlier and have lower insulation and protection. I suggest that you spend the few extra bucks you can get better quality, more comfort, protection, and durability. Therefore, resist the urge to go for the cheapest variant to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a pair of good quality welding gloves last?
The usual lifespan of welding gloves depends on three main factors, including the frequency of use, the level of quality, and how they are maintained after use.
A pair of low-quality gloves will usually last you about 2-3 weeks if you use them daily and for professional use. The same gloves may last a few months if you weld occasionally and maintain your gloves properly after use.
- When should I replace my gloves?
Welding gloves usually come with a recommended usage period. It is never a good idea to continue using them if you have surpassed the recommended duration.
Your gloves require immediate replacement if you notice any wear and tear or any hole that may have caused by being burned on hot metal or improper maintenance.
- Does a higher price always mean better quality gloves?
Usually, the $5-6 gloves do not offer the same quality that most $30-40 welding gloves do. However, it wholly depends on your usage and requirements.
If you are a professional welder, then it is highly recommended for you to invest in a more expensive, good quality pair of welding gloves that will last you longer than cheaper ones. If you weld occasionally, you may consider mid-ranged welding gloves’ options.
- How do I maintain my welding gloves?
Maintaining your welding gloves is one of the most crucial steps that will ensure that you are going to enjoy the full lifespan of your welding gloves. You have to make sure that you wash your welding gloves with utmost care to protect them from any damage during the cleaning process.
The best way to clean your welding gloves is to immerse them in soapy water for a few minutes and air-dry them afterward. If you want to improve the flexibility of your gloves, then you should rub a bit of saddle soap into the welding gloves’ material.
- Are welding sleeves a necessary part of the protective gear?
Welding is a dangerous profession/hobby, so you should always invest in additional protective gear like welding sleeves apart from the essential welding gloves.
A pair of high-quality welding sleeves will shield any exposed skin and protect you from burns, heat, and fire. Ensure that your welding gloves are flame-resistant and come with elastic cuffs that are essential for keeping the sleeves in the correct position.
Verdict
When choosing the best welding gloves, it is essential to ensure your welding gloves fit perfectly, offer optimal protection, and last long. Good quality welding gloves are usually expensive. However, you can find options that are both affordable and long-lasting.
Price should never be the deciding factor if you want to buy the best welding gloves! You should instead focus on performance and protection before making the final choice.
I have recommended my five best stick welding gloves, best MIG welding gloves, and best TIG welding gloves to help you find the best welding gloves according to your requirements.
Terje Chuck from Dallas, TX has welding experience of 30+ years. He believes in providing quality metal products while keeping the work environment safe and clean. He is one of our biggest resources that is skilled at interpreting blueprints to assemble them in a structure as per specifications.
