For many welders, pulling on a pair of welding gloves is second nature.leather welding gloves But what may not be second nature is choosing the right glove to meet their specific needs for protection, comfort and dexterity. The best gloves for the job depend on the type of welding process being used. There are three common arc welding processes, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and tungsten inert gas (TIG). Each process requires a different set of gloves.

Traditionally, leather has been the most popular material for welding gloves because it offers good heat resistance, durability and flexibility.leather welding gloves However, there are other materials that welders can choose from including pigskin, elk skin and deerskin. Each offer a different balance of heat protection, strength and dexterity. Other considerations when selecting a glove include its insulation, stitching, and materials used for the liner. Welders should also consider whether the gloves will be used for light or heavy duty work.

When choosing a leather welding glove, it is important to look for a quality hide.leather welding gloves The grade of the hide as well as its location and cut will affect the performance of the glove. For example, cowhide comes in a number of grades. Select shoulder grade leather is often used in GMAW and STICK welding gloves as it provides excellent heat protection, while top grain cowhide offers good flexibility and a soft feel. Cowhide gloves can also be made using split leather. This includes side and shoulder split leather. The latter is a less expensive option and typically offers good abrasion resistance.

Other materials used in the glove include rubber, foam and aluminized or aluminized and cotton linings.leather welding gloves These liners can provide increased grip, moisture wicking and anti-odor properties. They can also help to increase heat and flame resistance, reduce hand fatigue and prevent burns from hot objects. For greater dexterity, gloves can be lined with a soft, pliable hide like goatskin or kidskin. Kidskin is a soft, supple hide that offers good abrasion resistance and tensile strength but still allows the welder to work with small parts.

A welder should also consider the gloves’ thickness when choosing a pair for a particular welding process. While a thicker glove provides more protection, it can limit flexibility and movement of the fingers. This can be a problem for MIG and TIG welding, where dexterity is a must. Fortunately, many manufacturers have begun offering a range of thinner, lighter leather options for these processes.

While a thin glove will be less comfortable, it will allow for better movement and a more flexible fit. In addition, a thinner glove is more likely to be ANSI cut-rated. This is important as there is a potential for cuts from hot metal debris during welding. For this reason, it is a good idea to select a pair of gloves that are both ANSI cut-rated and suitable for your welding process.