Welding Gloves For Different Welding Processes: TIG, MIG, Stick
Welding gloves are the most essential piece of personal protective equipment for any welding process. The right gloves provide the necessary protection and comfort, while also ensuring that the welder has the necessary dexterity to perform their job safely and efficiently. However not all welding gloves are created equal, and the type of glove required will depend on the specific welding process being used. Employers and professional welders must select the correct type of welding glove before they can buy welding gloves online. In this article, let us explore the different types of welding gloves required for TIG, MIG, and Stick welding processes:
TIG Welding Gloves –
TIG welding requires a high level of precision and dexterity, which makes it essential to have protection without sacrificing its tactile sensitivity. TIG welding gloves are made from thin, high-quality leather or synthetic materials, which allows a high level of control. They are form-fitting and allow the welder to maneuver the welding torch with ease. Here are some popular types of TIG welding gloves:
- Thin Cowhide Leather Gloves: These gloves offer great comfort, durability, and dexterity making them a popular choice for TIG welding.
- Goatskin Leather Gloves: These gloves are soft, lightweight, and offer excellent tactile sensitivity, making them an excellent choice for TIG welding.
- Synthetic TIG Welding Gloves: These gloves are made of materials like Kevlar, Nomex, or other synthetic materials that offer excellent heat resistance, durability, and dexterity.
MIG Welding Gloves
MIG welding requires a different type of glove than TIG welding, as the process generates more heat and spatter. They are made from thicker, more heat-resistant materials, such as cowhide leather or pigskin. These materials provide excellent protection against heat and spatter, while still allowing for a reasonable level of dexterity and control.
MIG welding gloves are longer than TIG welding gloves, as they need to protect the wrists and forearms. Some MIG welding gloves come with an additional layer of padding or insulation to provide extra heat resistance and protection. Here are some popular types of MIG welding gloves:
- Heavy-Duty Cowhide Leather Gloves: These gloves offer excellent heat resistance, durability, and protection from spatter and debris.
- Pigskin Gloves: These gloves are soft, flexible, and durable, making them a popular choice for MIG welding.
- Split Leather Welding Gloves: These gloves are made of thick, rugged leather and offer excellent protection against heat and spatter.
Stick Welding Gloves –
Stick welding is a more rugged and intense welding process that requires a glove that provides adequate protection against high heat and electrical shocks. Stick welding gloves are typically made of heavy-duty materials such as cowhide or elk skin and feature additional padding and reinforcement in high-wear areas. Let us look at some popular types of Stick welding gloves:
- Heavy-Duty Stick Welding Gloves: These gloves are made of thick, heavy-duty leather that offers excellent protection against heat and electrical shocks.
- Aluminized Welding Gloves: These gloves feature an outer layer of aluminium that reflects heat and offers excellent protection against radiant heat.
- Insulated Welding Gloves: These gloves are designed to provide additional insulation against heat and electrical shocks and are ideal for high-voltage welding applications.
In conclusion, choosing the right welding gloves is important for good-quality welding and more so for protecting the welder’s hands. It ensures that they can perform their job safely and efficiently. When selecting welding gloves, it’s important to consider the specific welding process, also the materials used, the heat and electrical resistance, and the length and fit of the glove. The right welding glove will ensure a great weld!