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Understanding the Different Types of Welding Gloves and Their Uses

Understanding the Different Types of Welding Gloves and Their Uses

When it comes to welding, the right hand protection isn’t optional – it’s absolutely essential. Your hands are constantly exposed to some of the most hazardous elements in any worksite: extreme heat, flying sparks, molten metal, sharp edges, and abrasive materials. A high-quality pair of welding gloves isn’t just another tick on the PPE checklist – it’s a critical barrier that can prevent burns, cuts, and long-term injuries.

Welding gloves are designed specifically to meet the demands of different welding processes, offering various levels of heat resistance, dexterity, durability, and comfort. But not all welding gloves are created equal. Choosing the wrong type of glove can lead to reduced control, higher fatigue, and increased risk on the job.

Different welding methods – whether it’s the fine, detailed control of TIG, the all-round versatility of MIG, or the intense heat of Stick welding – require specific glove characteristics to keep welders protected and performing at their best. Selecting the right glove for the task isn’t just about safety; it also improves efficiency, grip, and confidence.

1. TIG Welding Gloves: Precision and Dexterity First

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding requires fine control and precise movements. That means dexterity is key. TIG gloves are typically made from soft, lightweight materials like goatskin or deerskin to offer greater touch sensitivity and flexibility. Ideal For: Low-heat applications and welders who need to handle small components with precision.

Key Features:

  • Slim fit for improved finger movement
  • Lightweight leather for sensitivity
  • Less insulation, more control

2. MIG Welding Gloves: Balanced Protection and Comfort

Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding produces more heat and spatter than TIG, so gloves for this application need to offer a balance of protection and comfort. MIG gloves are usually crafted from cowhide or pigskin, often with added lining for heat resistance. Ideal For: Medium to high-heat welding tasks where moderate flexibility is still required.

Key Features:

  • Moderate insulation for heat protection
  • Reinforced palms and fingers
  • Longer cuffs for wrist and forearm coverage

3. Stick Welding Gloves: Maximum Heat Protection

Stick welding (or Shielded Metal Arc Welding) is known for its intense heat and heavy spatter, which demands heavy-duty gloves. These gloves prioritise heat and flame resistance over dexterity and are typically made from thick split cowhide or elk leather. Ideal For: High-heat, heavy-duty welding jobs with lots of slag and spatter.

Key Features:

  • Thick insulation and heavy leather
  • Durable stitching with Kevlar® thread
  • Long gauntlet-style cuffs for maximum coverage

Common Materials and Their Benefits

Welding gloves are primarily made from leather due to its durability and natural resistance to heat and abrasion. Here's a quick rundown of the most common types:

  • Goatskin: Soft, thin, and great for dexterity – perfect for TIG.
  • Cowhide: Durable and heat-resistant, often used in MIG and Stick gloves.
  • Pigskin: Breathable and flexible, good for all-round use.
  • Deerskin: Naturally flexible with good wear resistance. Suited for light to medium-duty work.

Choosing the Right Glove for the Task

When selecting welding gloves, it’s crucial to match the glove’s construction to the hazards of the specific welding process. Key factors to consider include:

  • Heat level exposure
  • Required dexterity
  • Risk of spatter and slag
  • Welding duration and intensity

Look for gloves that meet AS/NZS 2161.4 standards for welding hand protection, which ensure gloves are tested for heat resistance, mechanical protection, and general wear.

At Beaver Brands, we understand that proper hand protection can make all the difference between a safe job and a serious injury. That’s why our Frontier heat and welding glove range is designed to meet the varied demands of welders across Australia, whether used in foundaries, smelters, mining or construction. Whether you're tackling intricate TIG work or heavy-duty Stick welding, we’ve got the glove that fits – literally and professionally.

Explore our full range of welding gloves or get in touch to find the right fit for you or your team.

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