21 Best Welding Gloves Review in 2018 – Tig, Mig, Stick [Buyers Guide]

Buying the best welding gloves is important because welding is one of the most dangerous jobs in construction.  There are over 500,000 welders in the United States work force.

There is a tremendous amount of heat required to put together two-pieces of metal.  While your welding helmet protects your eyes from burning, you also need to protect your hands and arms from the high heat burns, splattering molten fragments, and sparks.  Electrical shocks from the cable coming from the electrical supply is another reason to wear the best insulated work gloves for protection.  Wearing the right types of welding gloves, wearing protective equipment, and staying dry will prevent most accidents.

Are There Different Types of Leather Welding Gloves?

MIG Welding Gloves are worn when electricity is used to continuously feed a wire and meld metal together.  Typically more sparks are flying as it’s less precise than TIG. TIG is the most visually enjoyable.  MIG is the most widely used technique for many factory applications and hobbyists.  It’s the easiest one to learn and the most versatile.  Stick produces the strongest welds.

3 Factors When Choosing the Best Welding Gloves

The three factors include:

• Different welding techniques
• What are the welding gloves made of? The welding gloves material tremendously vary.   Insulated leather welding gloves are the dominant material due to their durability, conductivity, and protects from heat.  The best Kevlar gloves have lock stitching or added strength and flame resistance.
• Best work glove for dexterity is important to perform the different welding techniques

In the review, we are going to recommend the best gloves for welding in each category.

Best Welding Gloves on the Market

#1. Best MIG Welding Gloves – Tillman and Company 50L Top Grain Leather MIG Gloves

The John Tillman and Company 50L are the best MIG welding gloves because they provide needed heat resistance and extra-long coverage.  You will need a well-insulated glove to repel thermal and radiant heat.  To prevent burns fromspatter and UV radiation, you need to purchase extra-long welding gloves.

The 8 inch 50L John Tillman welding gloves are made of top grain cowhide leather with split reinforcements.  The insulated leather work gloves are lined with fleece.  The Kevlar thread is sewn in the seams to protect from extreme hot and cold weather work gloves.  A nice feature is the seamless forefinger for a comfortable feel.  The dexterity makes these the best MIG welding gloves

 

#2. Best TIG Welding Gloves – Miller 263354 Arc Armor TIG Welding Multitask Glove

The best TIG welding gloves needs a balance between heat protection and touch sensitivity.  You need thickness to prevent heat but good dexterity as TIG welding requires coordination and a light touch.  Unlike MIG that has more splattering, TIG doesn’t require extra-long welding gloves.

The Miller 263354 Arc Armor are the best TIG welding gloves.  They are thick and durable in the right places and flexible in the right places.  The wool provides terrific insulation and heat protection.  The best Kevlar thread provides 100% flame-resistant seams for protection.

 

 

#3. Best Stick Welding Gloves – Black Stallion 750 Premium Grain Elkskin Stick Welding Gloves

The best stick welding gloves require the best insulation due to high radiant heat.  Stick is used to weld steel, stainless steel, iron, nickel, aluminum, and copper alloys.  It’s better to get a thicker glove for insulation since dexterity isn’t as important as with TIG.  Kevlar stitching is recommended since it will not melt or burn at high temperatures.

The Black Stallion 750 premium grain Elkskin are the best stick welding gloves.  The elkskin leather provides a natural insulation and terrific comfort.  The thumb strap is a key stress area that’s reinforced by Black Stallion’s design.  The Nomex back lining provides an extra layer of heat protection.

 

 

#4. Lightweight Welding Gloves – Revco BM88L BSX BM88 Pig Waterproof

At 3.2 ounces, the Revco BM88L are extremely lightweight welding gloves.  They provide a nice fit for MIG, TIG, stick, arc and plasma.  The cowhide leather backing and pigskin is very comfortable.  The best arc welding gloves have Kevlar seams to repel a lot of arc spatter.  One of the best welding gloves for the money and cheap considering their versatility.These are one of the best waterproof winter work gloves that can be used for multipurpose uses.

 

 

#5. Thin Welding Gloves – John Tillman and Co 24CM Pearl Kidskin Thin Welding Gloves with 4″ Long Cuff

The John Tillman 24CM has thin welding gloves that provide high dexterity.  The kidskin construction is unlined for flexibility.  Since it’s unlined, they are not the most insulated gloves on the market.  The flexibility is good for TIG welding but the 4 inch long cuff is added protection for MIG.  The thin Kevlar gloves stitching is used for added strength.

 

#6. High Heat Welding Gloves – KIM YUAN High Heat Leather Welding Gloves with Kevlar Stitching

The KIM YUAN Extreme Heat and Fire Cowhide are high heat welding gloves.  They are insulated with high quality leather thickness in excess of 1.2mm.  The cowhide leather is naturally breathable and sweat-absorbent.  The high heat welding gloves protect you from extreme temperatures like fire pits, machinery, or wood stoves.

 

 

 

 

Welding Gloves Material

#1. Best Insulated Work Gloves – OZERO Insulated Welding Work Gloves for Extreme Heat Resistance

The Ozero 14 inch extreme heat resistant welding gloves are the best insulated work gloves.  They claim to withstand up to 932 degree Fahrenheit of heat.  The outer layer are Kevlar heat resistant gloves.  The inner layer is 100% insulated cotton.  The OZERO insulated work gloves can be used for multipurpose things like the fireplace, campfires, oven, and metal fabrication.

 

 

 

 

#2. Non-Leather Welding Gloves -West Chester IRONCAT 6100 Non-Leather Welding Gloves

The 12 inch West Chester IRONCAR 6100 fire resistant non-leather welding gloves silicon coated.  The silicon coating provides flexibility and high dexterity.  They are Kevlar heat resistant gloves with protective stitching for safety.

 

 

 

 

 

#3. Pigskin Welding Gloves – REVCO Pigskin Welding Gloves BSX BS50

The 13 inch Black Stallion BSX BS50 pigskin welding gloves are made of premium leather.  They have a side split cowhide back with pigskin leather reinforced palms.  The stitching is made of Kevlar threading for safety.  They provide extreme heat protection.  Black Stallion recommends these for stick and MIG welding gloves.  Pigskin gloves are highly resistant to oils and weather.

 

 

 

 

#4. Deer so soft welding gloves – Caiman 1878-5 Deerskin Welding Glove

Deerskin gloves offer one of the most comfortable fits and offers high dexterity.  Over time, deerskin takes the form of your hand over time.  They are resistant to high temperatures.

The Caiman 1878 21 inch are deer so soft welding gloves.  They’re made for plasma, overhead, and stick welding.  The gloves are designed with boarhide lather heat shield patch and extended cuff with an American deer split palm.  At 21 inches, they are extra-long welding gloves.

 

 

 

#5. Best Vegan Welding Gloves – Ironclad HW6X-04-L Heatworx Heavy Duty Vegan Welding Gloves

The 10.5 inch long Ironclad HW6X-04 Heatworx are rated as one of the best vegan welding gloves.  Ironclad uses a silicone-laminated Kevlar sidewalls on its fingers for heat protection.  It provides additional heat protection and cut resistant welding glove with its full Kevlar shell.  The vegan welding gloves are made of 45% synthetic leather and silicon, 5% synthetic leather with silane, 30% Nylon and Kevlar, and 20% Kevelar knit.  It has an extended cuff for added comfort and protection.

 

 

 

#6. Aluminized Welding Gloves – Steiner 02122 Aluminized Welding Gloves

Aluminized welding gloves are meant for very high temperature applications.  The aluminized exterior reflects most of the radiant heat while the wool lining reduces the heat conduction inside.  Keep in mind, the aluminized gloves surface are not meant for direct contact with excessively high temperatures.

The 14” Steiner 02122 aluminized welding gloves provides a great mix of features.  They have a side split cowhide aluminized back.  In addition, they are Kevlar sewn and wool lined work gloves.  The combination of glove materials provides high dexterity, comfortability, durability, and are abrasion resistant.

An alternative are the Tillman 822 aluminized gauntlet cuff gloves.  Gauntlet cuff gloves are usually found on leather work gloves and at least 4.5” in length.

 

 

#7. Cowhide Welding Gloves – OLSON DEEPAK Cowhide Welding Gloves

Cowhide gloves are durable, versatile, comfortable, abrasion resistant, and high dexterity.  They are commonly used for MIG welding.  Cowhide is good for MIG because they are heat-resistant and flame-resistant.

The Olson Deepak 14” extra-long welding glove is good for MIG welding and protecting from splatter.  Heavier material but still very flexible.  The soft cotton lining is very comfortable and added insulation from hot and cold weather work conditions.  The cowhide gloves are designed to offer good dexterity and elasticity.

 

 

 

#8. Goatskin Gloves – Lincoln Electric K2981-L Goatskin Welding Gloves

Goat gloves are flexible, comfortable, and light.  Like pigskin, they are water and oil resistant.

The Lincoln Electric goatskin welding gloves are ideal for TIG and MIG.  4.8 ounce weight offers the best work gloves for dexterity.  The goat welding gloves are very comfortable and flexible.  A split 4 inch cowhide cuff is added for heat protection.  Kevlar thread is used for maximum strength seams.

 

 

 

#9. Elkskin Gloves – Tillman 875L Premium Top Grain Elkskin Welding Gloves

Elk skin gloves are flame, heat, and abrasion resistant.  A heavier thicker gloves material is ideal for stick welding.  The elk skin is naturally resistance to moisture, oils, and cracks.  Elkskin leather vs cowhide will not harden as fast.  Some think elkskin is so thin they think they are welding without gloves.The 15 inch Tillman 875 elkskin welding gloves are top rated.  These elk skin gloves are for welders who need maximum dexterity and protection on the back side of their hand.  Elkskin are resistant to heat shrinkage.  They are very comfortable for extended use with thinner inside fingers.  The palm is unlined for high dexterity for TIG and stick welding.  The top is elkskin with a cotton and foam lining and Kevlar stitching for strength.

 

 

#10. Youth Welding Gloves – Steiner 0223-XS Sheepskin

Sheepskin gloves provide are very warm, comfortable, fire resistant, and breathable to your skin.

Though no one specifically makes a youth welding glove, buying a quality extra-small size.  The 6 inch Steiner welding gloves with sheepskin has a seamless index finger which is ideal for TIG welding.  4 inch cowhide cuff provides additional protection.  The Kevlar thread adds additional strength and flame resistance.

 

 

 

#11. Best Work Gloves for Dexterity – Superior Endura-378GKTFG Goatskin

The 8.8 inch Superior Endura Goatskin gloves are the best gloves for dexterity.  They’re a little thick for protection which provides long-term durability.  The Kevlar lining is comfortable and the goatskin offers high dexterity and abrasion resistance.  The Superior welding gloves are spark and flame resistant.

 

 

 

 

#12. Welding Gloves for Small Hands – NoCry Heavy Duty Welding for Small Hands

The 14” NoCry heavy duty are the best welding gloves for small hands.  Thick cowhide leather gloves and a comfortable cotton liner.  The 14 inch extra-long welding glove provides good protection for your forearm.  The thick cowhide is flame retardant and heat resistant welding gloves.  The small size is perfect for woman’s small hands.  The NoCry are one of the best welding gloves for the money.

 

 

 

#13. XS Welding Gloves – Steiner 2119C XS Welding Gloves

The Steiner 2119X XS welding gloves are designed for people with small hands.  The exterior is made with cowhide leather.  Seams are sewn with Kevlar thread for strength.  The inside inner lining is made of cotton for comfort.  The 14” length is better for MIG welding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

#14. Extra Long Welding Gloves – RAPICCA Forge 16” Extra Long Welding Gloves

The RAPICCA Forge 16” extra-long welding gloves will cover most of your forearm.  They will protect you from spatter, flash burns, and molten steel.  The cotton lining will absorb sweat and insulate your hand from heat.  Cotton lining make good work gloves for summer heat.  The thick cowhide will resist oil, heat, punctures, fire, and cuts.  The Kevlar sewn stitched gloves will reinforce the gloves and protect fingers from heat.

 

 

 

 

#15. Welding Gloves Made in USA – Steiner 021US Cowhide Stick Welding Gloves Made in USA

The Steiner 021US us manufactured with domestic side split cowhide.  The cowhide leather is durable and made in the USA.  They are lined with cotton for comfort.  The wing thumb offers versatile movement and high dexterity heat resistant.  The best Kevlar gloves have lock stitching or added strength and flame resistance.

 

 

 

 

 

The best welding gloves are dependent on your wants and needs.  The type of welding glove purchase will depend on welding technique, needed dexterity, size of your hand, price, and more.  Overall, the prices seem to range from about $15 to around $50.  If you are in the market for the best gloves for welding, you should be able to find a good fit.

Please comment below if you have any questions.